Systems, apparatus, and methods for dynamically transforming scan data using a scanning sensor node

ABSTRACT

Methods, apparatus, and systems are described for dynamically transforming scan data representing a container&#39;s loaded volume using a scanning sensor node mounted above storage space within the container. The scanning sensor node generally includes a memory, a depth sensor oriented above and towards the storage space, an identification scanner, and a communications interface to an external managing node. The identification scanner identifies an item being loaded into the storage space and the depth sensor responsively scans the storage space to generate the scan data. The scanning sensor node determines if the item is at least partially not visible to the depth sensor based upon the generated scan data and dynamically transforms the scan data into refined scan data based on this determination and upon material dimension data associated with the item.

PRIORITY AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application hereby claims the benefit of priority to relatedProvisional Patent Application No. 62/117,590 and entitled “EnhancingLogistics Operations When Loading a Container Using a Scanning SensorNode.”

The present application is also related in subject matter to thefollowing non-provisional patent applications where each also claims thebenefit of priority to the same above-referenced provisional patentapplication: (1) Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/992,207entitled “Systems, Apparatus, and Methods for Quantifying Space within aContainer using a Removable Scanning Sensor Node”; (2) Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 14/992,261 entitled “Improved Apparatus,Non-Transient Computer Readable Media, and Methods for AutomaticallyQuantifying Space within a Logistics Container using a Scanning SensorNode Disposed within the Container”; (3) Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/992,425 entitled “Improved Systems, Apparatus,Non-Transient Computer Readable Media, and Methods for AutomaticallyManaging and Monitoring a Load Operation Related to a LogisticsContainer Using a Scanning Sensor Node”; (4) Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/993,176 entitled “Systems, Apparatus,Non-Transient Computer Readable Media, and Methods for Detecting anOperational Safety Condition within a Logistics Container using aScanning Sensor Node”; and (5) Non-Provisional patent application Ser.No. 14/993,222 entitled “Systems, Apparatus, and Methods for DynamicallyTransforming Dimensional Data Representing a Shipping Item Being Loadedwithin a Container Using a Scanning Sensor Node.”

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to systems, apparatus,computer-readable media, and methods in the field of shipment managementand logistics and, more particularly, to various aspects involvingsystems, apparatus, computer-readable media, and methods for variousenhanced and improved logistics operations using a scanning sensor nodefor enhanced spatial awareness.

BACKGROUND

A logistics operation that involves shipping one or more items oftenincludes loading a container with the items and transporting thecontainer from an originating point to a destination point. Such acontainer may include, but is not limited to, a unit load device (ULD)deployed typically with shipments transported on aircraft; shippingcontainers deployed typically with single mode and/or intermodal freightshipments; a semi-trailer pulled by a truck; or even a designatedstorage space within a delivery vehicle (such as a delivery van). Itemsto be shipped are loaded within the container so that the items may besafely shipped with the container to a different location via a mode oftransportation (e.g., aircraft, train, automotive vehicle, and thelike).

Effective management of such a logistics operation is needed as ameasure, for example, of cost control when shipping items in acontainer. The time it takes to properly and safely load a container hasan impact on the cost effective throughput of the logistics operation aswell as the safety of those involved in the logistics operation. Indeed,the manner in which the container is loaded can also have an impact onthe cost effectiveness of the logistics operation.

In more detail, logistics operations face further problems when loadinga container. For example, it may be difficult to efficiently and/oreffectively quantify the used or available space left within thecontainer as the container is loaded and manage such quantifiedinformation as part of the logistics operation. The existence ofmultiple different configurations of containers may pose problems whenattempting to quantify such space. And while attempting to quantify suchspace may occur continuously, doing so often puts a strain on thequantifying equipment resources (such as battery power, memory, etc.)resulting in less efficient operations.

Additionally, loading operations of larger containers may present anunsafe and undesired operational safety condition if not properly andefficiently managed. For example, workers that may be loading acontainer may find they might become unintentionally locked within thecontainer. This may pose a safety issue for the worker. Thus, a needexists to enhance detection of one or more operational safety conditionsrelated to or within a container as a way to improve the logisticsoperation of loading the container.

Further, there may be times when a shipping item may not yet be scannedfor dimensional information related to the item before loading into thecontainer or the prior scanned dimensional information may beinaccurate. As such, there is a need for a way to transform availablematerial dimension data related to the shipped item as a check on ashipped item's dimensional data and to enhance the accuracy of anyquantization of space used or left within a container being loaded.

Even further, there may be times when an item being loaded within thestorage space of a container may be placed in a portion of the storagespace that may not be easily viewed or sensed. For example, an item maybe placed into a location within the storage space where another itemmay at least partially block sensing of what may be loaded into thatlocation. When an item is placed into such a location, an accuratefullness or loaded volume state of the container may be difficult tosense with a depth sensor or scanner. As such, there is a need for animproved way to detect and account for when the item is placed withinthe container that may not be easily viewed yet still provide foraccurate loaded volume measurements for the container as it is beingloaded.

To address one or more of these issues, there is a need for a moreversatile, intelligent type of equipment used to help manage and trackloading operations for a container and do so in a cost effective manner.

SUMMARY

In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments willbecome evident as being generally directed to technical solutions forlogistics operations involving a scanning sensor node that manages andmonitors such operations based upon sensor information generated onboardthe scanning sensor node. It should be understood that the aspects andembodiments, in their broadest sense, could be practiced without havingone or more features of these aspects and embodiments. It should beunderstood that these aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a system is described for dynamicallytransforming scan data representing a loaded volume of a container asthe container is loaded in order to more accurately monitor thecontainer's loaded volume. In general, the system comprises a scanningsensor apparatus disposed within the container and an external managingnode disposed outside the container. In more detail, the scanning sensorapparatus includes at least a housing, a processing unit and memorydisposed within the housing, as well as a depth sensor, anidentification scanner, and wireless communication interface operativelycoupled to the processing unit. The housing is configured to mount to aninterior surface within the container in a position above a storagespace within the container. The depth sensor is disposed and orientedtowards the storage space within the container and from above thestorage space. The identification scanner is operative to conduct anidentification scan of an item being loaded into the storage space ofthe container. The wireless communication interface is also disposedwithin the housing and provides access to a communication path with theexternal managing node.

The memory of the scanning sensor apparatus maintains at least ascanning program code section for execution by the processing unit andmaterial dimension data related to the item being loaded into thestorage space. In operation of the scanning sensor apparatus, when theprocessing unit executes the scanning program code section, theprocessing unit of the scanning sensor apparatus is programmaticallyconfigured to become unconventionally operative to cause theidentification scanner to conduct the identification scan and gatherinformation that identifies the item being loaded into the storage spacewithin the container; cause the depth sensor to scan the storage spacewithin the container from above the storage space and generate the scandata representing the loaded volume of the container, store thegenerated scan data in the memory; determine if the item loaded into thestorage space is at least partially not visible to the depth sensorbased upon the generated scan data; dynamically transform the scan datainto refined scan data if the processing unit determines the item is atleast partially not visible to the depth sensor (where the scan data istransformed into the refined scan data based at least upon the materialdimension data associated with the item); and cause the wirelesscommunication interface to transmit a volume update message to theexternal managing node (where the volume update message includes therefined scan data representing the current loaded volume of thecontainer). The external managing node receives the volume updatemessage from the wireless communication interface of the scanning sensorapparatus and stores the refined scan data.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a scanning sensor apparatus isdescribed. The scanning sensor apparatus is disposed within a containerand dynamically transforms scan data representing a loaded volume of acontainer in order to more accurately represent the container's loadedvolume during a monitored loading operation for the container.Generally, the apparatus comprises a housing, processing unit, memorycoupled, depth sensor, identification scanner, and wirelesscommunication interface. The housing is configured to mount to aninterior surface within the container in a position above a storagespace within the container. The depth sensor the depth sensor isdisposed within the container and relative to the housing such that thesensor is oriented towards the storage space within the container andfrom above the storage space. The identification scanner is alsodisposed within the container and relative to the housing such that itis operative to conduct an identification scan of an item being loadedwithin the container's storage space. Each of the processing unit andthe memory are disposed within the housing. Each of the memory, depthsensor, the identification scanner, and the wireless communicationinterface is operatively coupled to the processing unit. The memorymaintains at least a scanning program code section for execution by theprocessing unit along with material dimension data related to the itembeing loaded into the container's storage space. The processing unit ofthe scanning sensor apparatus, when executing the scanning program codesection, is programmatically configured to become unconventionallyoperative to cause the identification scanner to conduct theidentification scan and gather information that identifies the itembeing loaded into the storage space within the container; cause thedepth sensor to scan the storage space within the container from abovethe storage space and generate the scan data representing the loadedvolume of the container; store the generated scan data in the memory;determine if the item loaded into the storage space is at leastpartially not visible to the depth sensor based upon the generated scandata; and dynamically transform the scan data into refined scan data ifthe processing unit determines the item is at least partially notvisible to the depth sensor and based at least upon the materialdimension data associated with the item.

In still another aspect of the disclosure, a method is described fordynamically transforming scan data representing a loaded volume of acontainer using a scanning sensor node having at least a memory, a depthsensor, an identification scanner, and a communications interface to anexternal managing node. As used in the method, the scanning sensor nodeis mounted within the container and above the space within the containerin a configuration that orients the depth sensor towards the storagespace from above the storage space. In general, the method begins withthe identification scanner of the scanning sensor node identifying anitem being loaded into a storage space within the container. The methodproceeds with the depth sensor on the scanning sensor node scanning thestorage space within the container to generate the scan data afteridentifying the item. The method continues with the scanning sensor nodedetermining if the item loaded into the storage space is at leastpartially not visible to the depth sensor based upon the generated scandata and, in response, dynamically transforming the scan data intorefined scan data if the item is determined to be at least partially notvisible to the depth sensor based at least upon material dimension dataassociated with the item.

Each of these aspects respectively effect improvements to the technologyof logistics operations involving loading an item to be shipped within acontainer. Additional advantages of this and other aspects of thedisclosed embodiments and examples will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will be evident from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. It is to beunderstood that both the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are notrestrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments according toone or more principles of the invention and together with thedescription, serve to explain one or more principles of the invention.In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary networked system of exemplaryinterconnected computer systems and node devices, including multipleexemplary scanning sensor nodes in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a more detailed diagram of an exemplary scanning sensor nodeapparatus deployed within a container in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIGS. 3A-3E are a series of diagrams illustrating an exemplary systemand various exemplary operations involving an exemplary scanning sensornode apparatus deployed within a container as items are loaded withinthe container in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention;

FIGS. 4A-4B are diagrams illustrating various exemplary configurationsof elements where an exemplary operational safety condition may bedetected within a container using the exemplary scanning sensor nodeapparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method forquantifying space within a container using a removable scanning sensornode in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an improved exemplary method forefficiently quantifying space within a container using a scanning sensornode disposed within the container and exposed to scan the space withinthe container from above the space in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are, collectively, a flow diagram illustrating animproved exemplary method for managing a load operation related to acontainer using an exemplary removable scanning sensor node inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an improved exemplary method fordetecting an operational safety condition within a container using anexemplary scanning sensor node deployed within the container inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method fordynamically transforming dimensional data representing a shipping itembeing loaded within a container using an exemplary scanning sensor nodein accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an exemplary system andvarious exemplary operations involving an exemplary scanning sensor nodeapparatus deployed within a container as an item is loaded within alocation that is not visible or only partially visible to the scanningsensor node apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating another exemplary embodimentwhere an item is loaded within a container location that is not visibleor only partially visible to an exemplary scanning sensor node apparatusin accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method fordynamically transforming scan data representing a loaded volume of acontainer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingsand the description to refer to the same or like parts. However, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that different embodiments mayimplement a particular part in different ways according to the needs ofthe intended deployment and operating environment for the respectiveembodiments.

In general, the following describes various embodiments of systems,apparatus, computer-readable media, and methods that employ an exemplaryscanning sensor node to facilitate quantifying space within a containeras the container is loaded with one or more items being shipped; enhancethe efficiency of quantifying such space using the exemplary scanningsensor node; facilitate improved management of load operations; allowfor enhanced detection of an operational safety condition within thecontainer; and to dynamically transform dimensional data related to anitem being shipped that is loaded into the container. In general, systemlevel embodiments may include one or more lower level devices or nodes(e.g., a scanning sensor node) that rely on shorter-range communicationwith a higher level device or node (e.g., an external managing node),which is operative to communicate with a server over a network while thelower level node may be unable to communicate directly with the serverover the network in some instances. Such system level embodiments mayalso include one or more user access devices with which a worker orother logistics personnel may interact. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that such a hierarchy of different functional communicatingnetwork components (generally referred to as networked system devices)may be characterized as a network of nodes. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that such a network of nodes supporting logisticsoperations, such as the loading of a container, may include the serveras well as different wireless nodes despite the fact that the server maynot be a dedicated wireless component. In other embodiments, the networkof nodes may include similar types of wireless nodes or different typesof wireless nodes that interoperate in an unconventional manner toenhance logistics operations.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that each embodimentdescribed herein effects improvements to particular technologies, suchas systems that manage shipments, logistics operations andinfrastructure supporting and monitoring the loading of a container.Each embodiment describes a specific technological application thatleverages and applies a particular embodiment of a scanning sensor nodewhere the specific technological application improves or otherwiseenhances such technical fields as explained and supported by thedisclosure that follows.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary networked system of exemplaryinterconnected computer systems and node devices, including scanningsensor nodes within different containers in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. Referring now to FIG. 1, the exemplarynetworked system is shown generally comprising a server 100 connected toa network 105, which is also operatively connected to an access pointthat is external to the containers and generally referred to as anexternal managing node 110. Server 100 is also indirectly connected toscanning sensor nodes 120 a and 120 b through external managing node110, which operates as the access point or intermediary device thathelps manage data and communications related to logistics operations(such as loading of a container) going to and coming from scanningsensor nodes. External managing node 110 is typically connected toscanning sensor nodes 120 a and 120 b (respectively shown deployedwithin containers 115 a and 115 b) via wireless communications.

External managing node 110, in some embodiments, may also be connectedto one or more user access devices 140, which may be used by logisticspersonnel (also referred to as a worker or operator) involved in aloading operation. As described below in more detail, such a user accessdevice 140 may be a display-enabled device that allows logisticspersonnel to receive messages and/or provide input. In otherembodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that externalmanaging node 110 may also be implemented as a portable, display-enableddevice (similar to what is described herein as suitable for user accessdevice 140), while other embodiments may implement external managingnode 110 as a fixed device and/or a device not having a graphic ordisplay-enabled user interface with which to interact with logisticspersonnel.

In general, an exemplary container (such as container 115 a) may be usedto maintain one or more items (such as items 130 a-130 d) to be shipped.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that an example container mayinclude, but is not limited to, a unit load device (ULD), an intermodalshipping container, a semi-trailer pulled by a truck, a storage area ina delivery van, or a portion thereof. Such a container has at least oneopening through which it may be loaded with and maintain item(s) to beshipped, such as items 130 a-130 d shown loaded into container 115 a anditem 130 f loaded into container 115 b.

When loading an item into a container, one or more scanning sensornodes, such as scanning sensor nodes 120 a and 120 b, may be deployedwithin a particular container, such as container 115 a, to identify howmuch unoccupied space remains in the container being loaded as part ofan enhanced loading operation. An exemplary scanning sensor node, suchas scanning sensor node 120 a, is generally a device capable of scanningan area surrounding or near the node once it is deployed within acontainer. In a general embodiment, an exemplary scanning sensor node isa transceiver-based processing or logic unit having a housing that canbe attached to the roof/ceiling of a container, a radio, onboard memoryaccessible by the processing unit for maintaining programminginstructions and data, one or more scanners (more generally referred toas one or more depth sensors), other types of sensors (such astemperature, light, and/or motion sensors), interfacing circuitry thatprovides a data interface for off board access to data in the memory orinput of data and/or new programming instructions, and a power source(e.g., a battery) that provides power for the circuitry of the scanningsensor node. FIG. 2 provides further details of an exemplary scanningsensor node, such as node 120 a.

While an exemplary scanning sensor node, such as scanning sensor node120 a, may provide access to onboard data and programming instructionsvia a physical connection to interface circuitry, the scanning sensornode may also be in operative communication with external managing node110 (or another scanning sensor node) using a wireless connectionthrough the radio on the scanning sensor node. Exemplary externalmanaging node 110 operates as a type of intelligent intermediary accesspoint or bridge between the server 100 and the scanning sensor node. Inan embodiment, external managing node 110 may be connected to server 100through network 105 via other wireless communications (which, dependingon the desired deployment, can be the same or a different format thanthe wireless communications between a scanning sensor node and anexternal managing node). However, those skilled in the art willappreciate that in another embodiment, external managing node 110 may beconnected to server 100 through network 105 via a cable connection (suchas an Ethernet connection or some other wired data communicationconnection).

In one example embodiment, an exemplary external managing node 110 is adevice having a processing or logic unit, a shorter range radio used forcommunicating with other devices (scanning sensor nodes, other externalmanaging nodes, and/or user access devices), a medium and/or long-rangeradio for communication with the server 100, memory accessible by theprocessing unit, and a power source (e.g., a battery or a wired powersupply connection) that provides power for the circuitry of the externalmanaging node 100. An exemplary external managing node, such as externalmanaging node 110 a, may be positioned in a known fixed location or,alternatively, be a mobile unit that flexibly interacts with one or morescanning sensor nodes as they come within range of the external managingnode.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the processing unit of theexternal managing node 110 is logic, such as a microprocessor ormicrocontroller, which generally performs computations on data andexecutes operational and application program code and other programmodules within the external managing node 110. Those skilled in the artwill also appreciate that exemplary master node 110 a is ahardware-based component that may implement its processing unit with asingle processor or logic unit, a more powerful multi-core processor, ormultiple processors depending upon the desired implementation. In oneembodiment, the processing unit of the external managing node 110 may beimplemented with a low power microprocessor and associated peripheralcircuitry that allows for wired and wireless communications on differentcommunication paths via network 105 and wirelessly to a scanning sensornode, such as exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a. Less complexmicrocontrollers or discrete circuitry may be used to implement theprocessing unit of the external managing node 110 as well as morecomplex and sophisticated general purpose or dedicated purposeprocessors. However, while such hardware may be implemented with ageneral purpose or dedicated purpose processor, the functionality of theexternal managing node 110 as described herein within an embodiment isnot merely convention when the embodiment is viewed as a whole andapplied within the field of logistics, such as loading operations.

In yet another embodiment, an exemplary processing unit of the externalmanaging node 110 may be implemented with a low power embedded processoras part of a single-board computer having a system-on-chip (SoC) deviceoperating at its core. In this embodiment, the SoC device may include aremovable memory card slot (e.g., a Secure Digital (SD) card slot) asremovable memory, and flash memory operating as onboard non-volatilememory storage, RAM memory operating as onboard volatile memory, anoperating system (such as Linux) stored on the non-volatile memorystorage and running in volatile RAM memory, and peripherals that mayimplement the communication interfaces to network 105 and to anyscanning sensor nodes, such as scanning sensor nodes 120 a and 120 b.

In more detail, examples of such a communication interface may includespecific communication circuitry for operatively coupling the externalmanaging node 110 to a specific short-range communication path (e.g., aBluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) connection path communicating at 2.4 GHz)that may be used for wireless communications with a scanning sensornode. While BLE may be used in one embodiment to enable a short-rangecommunication protocol, other embodiments may be implemented with otherlow power, short-range communication protocols, such as ultra-low powercommunication protocols used with ultra-wideband impulse radiocommunications, ZigBee protocols, IEEE 802.15.4 standard communicationprotocols, and the like.

Exemplary managing node 110 may further implement the communicationinterface with other communication circuitry that provides a mediumand/or long-range communication interface portion to provide acommunication path to server 100 via network 105. In one embodiment,such a longer range communication interface portion may be implementedwith a medium range radio in the form of an IEEE 802.11g compliant Wi-Fitransceiver or a cellular radio. In yet another embodiment, both a Wi-Fitransceiver and a cellular radio may be used when best available oraccording to a priority (e.g., first attempt to use the Wi-Fitransceiver if available due to possible lower costs; and if not, thenrely on the cellular radio). In other words, an embodiment may rely uponthe longer range cellular radio part of such a communication interfaceas an alternative to the medium range Wi-Fi transceiver radio, or whenthe medium range radio is out of reach from a connecting infrastructureradio within network 105.

Additionally, an embodiment of external managing node 110 may provide auser interface to indicate status and allow basic interaction for reviewof data and relevant interactions with any scanning sensor nodes, suchas nodes 120 a and 120 b, and server 100. In one embodiment, such a userinterface may provide a display, interactive buttons or soft keys,and/or a pointing device to facilitate interaction with the display. Ina further embodiment, a data entry device may also be used as part ofthe user interface. In still other embodiments, the user interface maytake the form of one or more lights (e.g., status lights), audible inputand output devices (e.g., a microphone and speaker), or touchscreen thatmay provide feedback to logistics personnel involved in loadingoperations.

While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 shows only a single externalmanaging node 110, those skilled in the art will appreciate that anetworked system consistent with an embodiment of the invention mayinclude a wide array of similar or different external managing nodesthat each communicate with the server 100 and/or other external managingnodes, and a wide variety of similar or differently configured scanningsensor nodes and in some embodiments one or more user access devices.Thus, the exemplary networked system shown in FIG. 1 is a basicembodiment and those skilled in the art will appreciate that the systemmay further include such additional nodes and devices in furtherembodiments.

Exemplary network 105 in the system provides a type of interconnectionand may be a general data communication network involving a variety ofcommunication networks or paths. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that such exemplary networks or paths may be implemented withhard wired structures (e.g., LAN, WAN, telecommunication lines,telecommunication support structures and telecommunication processingequipment, etc.), wireless structures (e.g., antennas, receivers,modems, routers, repeaters, etc.) and/or a combination of both dependingupon the desired implementation of a network that interconnects server100 and other components shown in FIG. 1 and described above in one ormore embodiments.

While exemplary server 100 is shown connecting through network 105,those skilled in the art will appreciate that server 100 may have moredirect or dedicated connections to other components illustrated in FIG.1, such as external managing node 110, depending upon implementationdetails and desired communication paths. Furthermore, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that an exemplary server, such as server 100,may contain a collection of information in a database (not shown in FIG.1), while multiple databases maintained on multiple server platforms ordistinct network storage servers may be used in other embodiments tomaintain such a collection of information. Furthermore, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that a database may be implemented with cloudtechnology that essentially provides networked storage of collections ofinformation that may be directly accessible to devices, such as externalmanaging node 110.

In general, an embodiment of exemplary server 100 operates as a back-endtype of platform that helps to manage the nodes (e.g., external managingnode 110 and scanning sensor nodes 120 a and 120 b), collect informationfrom the nodes (e.g., loading state of containers being loaded,transformed dimensional information related to an item loaded into acontainer), stores the collected information from the nodes or otherinformation useful for the nodes in loading operations (e.g., baselinedimensional information associated with a particular type of container),and may provide information about the nodes (e.g., node status,container status, container type information, sensor information, etc.)to requesting entities. Further details on various embodiments that takedeploy an exemplary server and take advantage of this functionality areexplained in more detail below.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that exemplary server 100 is ahardware-based component that may be implemented in a wide variety ofways. For example, server 100 may use a single processor or may beimplemented as one or more part of a multi-processor component thatcommunicates with devices (such as user access device 140) and wirelessnodes (such as external managing node 110). An embodiment of server 100may be implemented as a single computing system, a distributed server(e.g., separate servers for separate server related tasks), ahierarchical server (e.g., a server implemented with multiple levelswhere information may be maintained at different levels and tasksperformed at different levels depending on implementation), or a serverfarm that logically allows multiple distinct components to function asone server computing platform device from the perspective of a clientdevice (e.g., devices 200, 205 or master node 110 a). And exemplaryserver 100 may deploy more than one memory storage media, and mayinclude memory storage media in differing non-transitory forms (e.g.,conventional hard disk drives, solid state memory such as flash memory,optical drives, RAID systems, cloud storage configured memory, networkstorage appliances, etc.).

At its core, exemplary server 100 comprises at least a processing orlogic unit coupled to a network interface, which facilitates and enablesoperative connections and communications through network 105 with atleast one or more external managing nodes and, in some embodiments, useraccess devices, such as device 140. In one embodiment, server 100 mayinclude a medium and/or long-range radio communication interface withwhich to more directly communicate with one or more external managingnodes, such as node 110. Using these communication paths as well asprogramming instructions stored in the server's memory and executed bythe server's processing unit to collectively provide the describedunconventional functionality, the server 100 generally operates tocoordinate and manage information related to a scanning sensor node asit facilitates a loading operation with respect to a container.

In some embodiments, server 100 may include a database or other datastorage media that provides available material dimension data related toa shipping item. Such data, if available, provides dimensionalinformation on the item and may have been generated prior to a loadingoperation (e.g., during sorting or other logistics operations where theshipping item is processed) and stored within memory accessible byserver 100. In another embodiment, server 100 may distribute theresponsibility of maintaining any available material dimension datarelated to a shipping item to a separate computing device, generallyreferred to as an external shipment processing system (not shown in FIG.1). Such an external shipment processing system may be a deviceconnected to network 105 and capable of providing access to ortransmitting relevant available material dimension data to requestingdevices, such as external managing node 110.

As noted above and shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, user access device140 may connect with and/or through external managing node 110 tointeract with a scanning sensor node or server 100. In some embodiments,user access device 140 may connect and communicate with server 100through network 105. In general, an exemplary user access device, suchas device 140, allows a user (such as a logistics worker or operatorparticipating in a load operation) to interact with one or morecomponents of the networked system of FIG. 1. More specifically,exemplary user access device 140 may operate as a type of node elementwithin the networked system of FIG. 1 and may be used by logisticspersonnel involved in a loading operation to receive input from and/orto provide user feedback to the logistics personnel relative to theloading operation (e.g., displaying information related to the currentloading state of the container, the occupied capacity within thecontainer, the updated current dimensional data representing theshipping item, and the like).

In various embodiments, exemplary user access device 140 may beimplemented using a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet (suchas an Apple iPad® touchscreen tablet), a personal area network device(such as a Bluetooth® device), a smartphone (such as an Apple iPhone®),a smart wearable device (such as a Samsung Galaxy Gear™ smartwatchdevice, or a Google Glass™ wearable smart optics) or other such devicescapable of communicating with external managing node 105 and/or overnetwork 105 with server 100, over a wired or wireless communication pathto such networked system elements. An exemplary user access device, suchas device 140, may include sufficient hardware and code (e.g., an app orother program code section or sections) to operate as a node element invarious embodiments as discussed in more detail below. For example,device 140 may be implemented as a mobile smartphone or ruggedizedtablet device and functionally may operate to receive loading operationnotifications and information related to the loading operation, such asa load state message or safety alert.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary scanning sensor node (such asscanning sensor node 120 a) may operate as a node element within anetworked system that operates to improve and enhance the efficiency ofa logistics operation, such as when an item being shipped is loaded intoa container (such as container 115 a). And while FIG. 1 shows a singlescanning sensor node within a container, those skilled in the art willappreciate that leveraging such an exemplary scanning sensor node may bescalable to larger applications and containers. For example, furtherembodiments may involve a physically large container that may usemultiple scanning sensor nodes deployed within the same large containeras needed to appropriately scan and monitor storage space and loading ofitems into such a large or spread out storage space.

Further details of the architecture and components an exemplary scanningsensor node are described in more detail below. In particular, FIG. 2 isa more detailed diagram of an exemplary scanning sensor node apparatusas deployed within a container in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring now to FIG. 2, exemplary scanning sensor node 120 ais generally a device operative to scan a storage space within container115 a once the node 120 a is deployed above the space within thecontainer 115 a (e.g., coupled to the container's ceiling, along anupper part of an interior wall of the container, or coupled to structurehanging down from the ceiling or extending from the upper part of awall). The scanning sensor node 120 a may be used to help identifyunused or unoccupied portions of the storage space as advantageouslyscanned from above the space in order to enhance the accuracy of suchscanning operations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that beingdisposed above the space generally has the scanning sensor node (or morespecifically, relevant scanning elements of the scanning sensor node) ata higher elevation than the storage space.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a may beimplemented as a device having a housing 200, which is configured tomount above an interior storage space within the container, such asmounted to an interior roof surface of a ceiling within container 115 a.In the illustrated embodiment, housing 200 is attached to the ceilingabove a storage space within container 115 a by means of a detachablecoupling 205. Housing 200 may be implemented, for example, with ruggedstructure and material to allow scanning sensor node 120 a tooperatively survive a harsh environment, such as moisture, temperature,and/or physical drops of the node 120 a should the node 120 aunintentionally detach from the ceiling or otherwise be dropped during aloading operation.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the exemplary coupling 205 ofthe housing 200 and the ceiling of container 115 a is temporary in orderto allow exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a to be easily installedwithin container 115 a above a storage space area within the container115 a but also be easily removed if/when desired. Coupling 205 may, forexample, be removable or temporarily attached to the ceiling by means ofa magnetic connection or a pressure sealing adhesive that allows forplacement and later detachment of the housing 200. As such, anembodiment may implement exemplary coupling 205 with temporaryattachment structure (e.g., one or more magnets, adhesive, one or morephysical clips, one or more quick connect thumbscrews and threadedmating holes). Such temporary attachment structure may be engaged anddisengaged to allow for a quick connect and disconnect of the housing200 and the ceiling of the container 115 a. For example, in anembodiment, a connection base portion (not shown) of the coupling 205may be temporarily or permanently mounted to or formed into the ceilingof the container 115 a while a second portion of the coupling 205 may bemounted to or formed into housing 200 so that it may mate with theconnection base portion.

In more detail, detachable coupling 205 may use fitted or matedstructure (such as keyseated mating parts of coupling 205). In thismanner, one part may be fixed or attached to the housing 200 while theother part may be fixed or otherwise attached to the ceiling ofcontainer 115 a in such a way to ensure the scanning sensor node 120 isplaced and oriented in a desired physical attitude and orientation whenthe coupling's mated parts are seated to each other.

And while shown in FIG. 2 as a detachable coupling, an alternativeembodiment may have coupling 205 not necessarily detachable and,instead, have coupling 205 as part of a more permanent connection orattachment mechanism. For example, coupling 205 may fix housing 200 tothe ceiling of container 115 a such that scanning sensor node 120 athereon remains fixed to the container 115 a. As such, scanning sensornode 120 a may operate within container 115 a as described herein albeitin a configuration where the scanning sensor node 120 a becomesassociated with container 115 a as the container 115 a is moved,transported, and shipped in its intended manner (e.g., via aircraft orother modes of transportation).

As illustrated in FIG. 2, an embodiment of exemplary scanning sensornode 120 a is a hardware-based component implemented with a processor orlogic unit, such as processing unit 210, coupled to onboard memory 215.Exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a further comprises one or morewireless interfaces 240 and 245, scanner 220, light sensor 225,additional sensors 230, interface circuitry 235, and a power source 250.

In more detail, exemplary wireless interfaces 240 and 245 are eachcoupled to the processing unit 210 and allow for longer range wirelesscommunications (via interface 240) and for shorter range wirelesscommunications (via interface 245). Each of these wireless interfacesmay generally be implemented as a programmable radio and anomni-directional antenna coupled to the processing unit 210 where theradio communicates through the antenna with other devices. In anembodiment, interfaces 240 and 245 may use an antenna with a differentantenna profile when directionality may be desired or particularcommunication frequencies call for a different antenna configuration.Exemplary wireless interfaces 240 and 245 may communicate using variousdifferent types of radio transceivers for different types ofcommunications, such as a Bluetooth® interface or wireless networkinterface (Wi-Fi) for the short/close range wireless communicationsinterface 245 or a cellular interface for the longer range wirelesscommunications interface 240. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat in further embodiments, interfaces 240 and 245 may implement anRFID reader and/or NFC communications, or other data communicationsinterface that allows for wireless communication. In other embodiments,a single interface may be used as both interfaces 240, 245 when desiredcommunications may be accomplished with a range of a single interface.

As noted above, an embodiment may have multiple scanning sensor nodesmounted within a single container. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the wireless interfaces 240 and 245 deployed within eachof the scanning sensor nodes may allow for node-to-node communicationsbetween two scanning sensor nodes. For example, one scanning sensor nodemay operate as a managing node in that it may receive messages and/ordata from another scanning sensor node and pass the received messagesand/or data along to an external managing node, such as externalmanaging node 110. This may be helpful when only one of the scanningsensor nodes is within communication range of the external managingnode, but the other scanning sensor node is unable to directlycommunicate with the external managing node.

Scanner 220, as shown in FIG. 2, may be operatively connected to theprocessing unit 210 and operate as one or more dimensioning scanners(more generally referred to as one or more depth sensors) to scan aspace exposed to the scanner 220 (such as a depth of space below acontainer ceiling/roof of container 115 a relative to the location ofscanner 220). Scanner 220 may operate as a camera or sensor type ofdevice that senses distances and motion. Scanner 220 may be implementedas a simple dimension scanning device (depth sensing camera) or adevice/array with multiple scanning elements that are each respectivelyaimed at different parts of the space below a container's ceiling (oncethe scanning sensor node has been installed). For example, scanner 220may be an array having multiple scanning elements physically close toone another, yet each are respectively oriented and aimed to scan andcapture information on dimensions and depth in a different part of thespace below a container's ceiling. In another example, scanner 220 maybe implemented with separate scanning elements that are each,respectively, deployed along the container's ceiling in a physicallyseparated configuration of scanning elements that can be mounted alongdifferent points of the container's ceiling or upper parts of thecontainer's walls so that the elements of scanner 220 each scan andcapture information on dimensions and depth in a different part of thestorage space below a container's ceiling or, more generally, from abovethe storage space.

Light sensor 225 may be operatively connected to the processing unit 210and operate to detect light near node 120 a, such as light external tohousing 200 and within the container 115 a. Light sensor 225 may be usedto help detect if container 115 a is in an open or closed state, and asexplained in more detail below, such information made available to thespecially programmed processing unit 210, may help to improve and/orenhance loading of container 115 a.

Additional sensor(s) 230 are also operatively connected to theprocessing unit 210 and may operate as one or more environmental sensorsto separately detect environmental conditions within the container. Suchdetected conditions may include conditions about the container itself,the interior space within the container, or contents within thecontainer. In various embodiments, such an additional sensor 230 may beimplemented as a motion sensor that detects movement within thecontainer as the environmental condition; a light sensor that detects athreshold level of light within the container as the environmentalcondition; a temperature sensor that detects a threshold level oftemperature within the container as the environmental condition; ahumidity sensor that detects a threshold level of humidity within thecontainer as the environmental condition; a kinetic force sensor thatdetects a concussive force related to the container as the environmentalcondition; a chemical sensor that detects an atmospheric chemicalcomposition change within the container as the environmental change; amicrophone that detects an auditory level change related to thecontainer as the environmental change; a pressure sensor that detects abarometric pressure within the container as the environmental change;and a smoke sensor that detects a smoke particle concentration withinthe container as the environmental change.

Additional sensors 230 may also include one or more other types ofsensors or scanning elements that may operate to read or receiveidentification information related to an identification element. Suchscanning elements may, for example, perform scanning with electricalsignals (e.g., radio waves), lasers, and other optical, electro-optic,magnetic, or electro-magnetic signals. For example, such a scanningelement may include, but is not limited to, a barcode scanner, a radiofrequency identification (RFID) reader, a near field communications(NFC) interface, Bluetooth® radio, or other wireless network datacommunications device, and the like that may operate to read or receiveidentification information related to an identification element. Such ascanning element may be implemented with other low power, short-rangecommunication devices that may use communication protocols, such asultra-low power communication protocols used with ultra-wideband impulseradio communications, ZigBee protocols, IEEE 802.15.4 standardcommunication protocols, and the like. An exemplary identificationelement may include, for example a barcode label that may be a read by abarcode scanner. Other exemplary wireless identification elements may beimplemented as, for example, an RFID tag, an NFC device, anotherBluetooth® device, a ZigBee device, or another wireless network datacommunications device operating under a similar communications format asthe scanning element. Thus, an exemplary sensor 230 may be implementedas a type of identification scanning or listening device that conducts ascan (e.g., sends out a signal or beam, or listens for a signal orreflected beam) to receive information from an identification elementrelated to the item being shipped.

The additional sensors 230 may be implemented as modular or detachablesensors that may connect to a plug type outlet (not shown) deployed onhousing 200. Such a plug outlet may provide a detachable connection forthe modular sensor to processing unit 210, and may allow for additionalsensors that may be physically deployed physically outside the housing200 in a variety of configurations (e.g., disposed along a length of aceiling within a container, disposed at the top of a vertical wall at apoint above the storage space of the container). Those skilled in theart will also recognize that such a connection for modular externaladditional sensors 230 may be provided through interfacing circuitry235, as described below.

Interfacing circuitry 235 may be operatively connected to the processingunit 210 to generally provide an external interface to elements onboardscanning sensor node 120 a. Such interfacing circuitry 235 may, forexample, comprise various peripherals (e.g., timer circuitry, USB,USART, general-purpose I/O pins, IR interface circuitry, DMA circuitry)that implement an interface (e.g., a plug type or connectorizedinterface) with different external sensors or other circuitry/devicesexternal to scanning sensor node 120 a. As such, interfacing circuitry235 may operate to provide a data interface (such as a micro USBinterface) that gives an external device access to data and code kept inthe memory 215 or allows the external device to provide other dataand/or code to be stored within the memory 215 of scanning sensor node120 a. In another example, interfacing circuitry 235 may be implementedto include a memory card interface, such as a micro SecureDigital (SD™)memory card slot and supporting circuitry, so that non-transitoryremovable memory media storage in the form of a memory card may beaccessible to processing unit 210.

In yet a further embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat interfacing circuitry 235 may implement a simple or complex displayor user interface for logistics personnel. For example, such a displayor user interface may indicate a status of scanning sensor node 120 aand allowing basic interactions by logistics personnel with scanningsensor node, like depressing a switch or switches (not shown) toactivation the node 120 a or turn it off. In one embodiment, a portionof the interfacing circuitry 235 providing such a display or userinterface may be implemented with status lights, such as multi-modeLEDs. Different colors of the lights may indicate a different status ormode for the scanning sensor node 120 a (e.g., a current power status, abattery level status, an error, a sensed condition (e.g., exceeding atemperature threshold, exceeding a moisture threshold, detecting adesired load status regarding the storage space of the container)).Other embodiments may include an auditory interface, such as a speakerfor output and/or microphone for input. Such an auditory interface mayprovide or receive auditory feedback to or from logistics personnelinvolved in the loading operation. Still other embodiments may implementsuch a display or user interface in a more sophisticated manner with agraphics display or the like where information or a notification may bedisplayed to logistics personnel involved in the loading operation.

As shown in FIG. 2, power source 250 is a component of scanning sensornode 120 a that provides power for the various active circuitriesdeployed within the scanning sensor node 120. An embodiment of powersource 250 may be a rechargeable or replacement power element (e.g., areplaceable battery unit or cell, a chargeable battery unit or cell, ora chargeable battery coupled to a solar cell that may operatively chargethe battery). In some embodiments, the solar cell may be disposed on anexterior of housing 200 so that when scanning sensor node 120 a isremoved, it may be recharged via sunlight. However, in otherembodiments, the solar cell may be deployed on an exterior surface ofcontainer 115 and include a power connection through housing 200 (e.g.,via interface circuitry 235) to power source 250 within housing 200.

In another embodiment, power source 250 may be charged wirelessly viaproximity to a charging station, such as a charging pad, that mayprovide power to a charging device (not shown) connected to interfacecircuitry 235 or integrated as part of power source 250. In more detail,power source 250 may be wirelessly charged using a charge-transmittingunit that broadcasts a targeted RF signal to a charge-receiving deviceconnected to interface circuitry 235 (or to a wireless charge-receivingcircuitry integrated as part of power source 250). Such an exemplarycharge-transmitting unit may be deployed as part of a container, avehicle (e.g., aircraft, truck, delivery van), or logistics facilitythat processes a container in order to facilitate charging power source250 in a wireless, efficient, and timely manner without relying oncorded charging of power source 250. In yet another embodiment, powersource 250 may be implemented as an exemplary wireless charge-receivingdevice when the power demands of node 120 can be sufficiently suppliedby such a wireless charge-receiving device. Examples of such wirelesscharging circuitry and systems that may be deployed to help charge powersource 250 include WattUp™ power router and enabled receivers fromEnergous Corporation of San Jose, Calif.; Cota® wireless power solutionsfrom Ossia, Inc. of Redmond, Wash.; and Powermat® wireless chargingtechnology from Powermat Technologies Ltd. of Neve Ilan, Isreal.

Relative to processing unit 210, those skilled in the art willappreciate that exemplary processing unit 210 is essentially logic thatgenerally performs computations on data (such as exemplary data 275-290)and executes operational and application program code (such as operatingsystem 255 and application program code modules 260-270) within thescanning sensor node 120 a. As such, exemplary processing unit 210operates as the processing core of scanning sensor node 120 a. In oneembodiment, processing unit 210 may be implemented with processing andassociated peripheral circuitry as dictated by the needs of theparticular applied embodiment, such as a low power consumptionmicrocontroller. Less complex microcontrollers or discrete circuitry mayalso be used to implement processing unit 210, as well as more complexand sophisticated microprocessors.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that exemplary processing unit210 may be integrated into a single chip transceiver or SoC used as acore of scanning sensor node 120 a. Those skilled in the art will alsoappreciate that scanning sensor node 120 a may be implemented withspecially optimized hardware (e.g., a particular application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC) having the same operational control andfunctionality as the application program code modules 260-270, asdescribed below), discrete logic, or a combination of hardware andfirmware depending upon requirements of the scanning sensor node, suchas power, processing speed, size of the container space to be scanned,etc.

In a general embodiment, the onboard memory 215 on scanning sensor node120 a is accessible by processing unit 210 for maintaining program codeand data. A part of memory 215 may be implemented as a tangible,non-transient computer readable medium on which information (e.g.,executable code/modules and data) may be kept in a non-volatile andnon-transitory manner. Examples of such memory storage may include ahard disk drive, ROM, flash memory, or other media structure that allowslong term, non-volatile storage of information. Such memory storagemaintains a variety of program code (e.g., operating system 255,scanning program code 260, load operation program code 265, safetycondition program code 270) and other data elements (e.g., containerdata 275, scan generated data 280, sensor data 285, notification/alertdata 290, and the like).

Another part of memory 215 may be implemented as random access memory(RAM) structure used by processing unit 210 during operation of thescanning sensor node 120 a. Upon power up of node 120 a, the volatilememory part of memory 215 may be populated with operating system 255 andthen with one or more operational programs (such as scanning programcode 260) or specific program modules that help facilitate particularspecially adapted and unconventional operations of scanning sensor node120 a. And during operation of scanning sensor node 120 a, the volatilememory may also include certain data (e.g., item content data 275, scangenerated data 280, sensor data 285, notification/alert data 290, andthe like) generated as the scanning sensor node 120 a executesinstructions as programmed or loaded from the non-volatile memorystorage part of memory 215. However, those skilled in the art willappreciate that not all data elements illustrated in FIG. 2 must appearin memory 215 at the same time.

In an embodiment, exemplary program code (e.g., scanning program code260, load operation program code 265, safety condition program code 270)are executable instructions in the form of program code modules orapplications. Each of these program code modules may be loaded andexecuted by processing unit 210 to adapt the processing unit 210 into aspecially adapted and configured computing-based apparatus. Thisspecially configured processing unit 210, as described in more detailherein as a part of an embodiment, implements operative process stepsand provides functionality that is unconventional, especially when theprocess steps are considered collectively as a whole. And such aspecially adapted and configured processing unit 210 helps, as a part ofan embodiment, to address and improve targeted and technical problemsfaced in logistics operations when loading a container as described inmore detail below.

In particular, exemplary scanning program code 260 provides executableinstructions that generally enable the scanning sensor node 120 a toimprove how space within a container may be quantified when determiningan unoccupied amount of the space using scan data, as described in moredetail below with respect to FIG. 5. Another embodiment of scanningprogram code 260 may provide executable instructions that help improvethe efficiency of quantifying space within a container using a scanningsensor node disposed within the container and exposed to scan the spacewithin the container from above the space, as described in more detailbelow with respect to FIG. 6. Still another embodiment of scanningprogram code 260 may provide executable instructions that dynamicallytransform dimensional data representing a shipping item being loadedwithin a container, as described in more detail below with respect toFIG. 9. And yet a further embodiment of scanning program code 260 mayprovide executable instructions that dynamically transform scan datainto refined scan data more accurately representing a loaded volume of acontainer, as described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 12.

Exemplary load operation program code 265 provides executableinstructions that generally enable the scanning sensor node 120 a tointeract with other network system elements (such as external managingnode 110) and improve how to use a removable scanning sensor node aspart of managing a load operation related to a container, as describedin more detail below with respect to FIG. 7. As such, load operationprogram code 265 may be used to generally provide distinct andunconventional interactions with higher level networked system elementsbased upon mapped data of unoccupied space within the container. In someembodiments, code 265 may operation in conjunction with scanning programcode 260 as described in more detail below.

Exemplary safety condition program code 270 provides executableinstructions that generally enable the scanning sensor node 120 a toimprove how to detect an operational safety condition within a containerusing a scanning sensor node, such as scanning sensor node 120 a,deployed within the container and above a storage space defined withinthe container, as described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 8.In some embodiments, code 270 may operation in conjunction with scanningprogram code 260 as described in more detail below.

As previously noted, in addition to program code 260-270 and operatingsystem 255, memory 215 may maintain different types of data and datastructures during operations of an exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a.Data in memory 215 may be generated by scanning sensor node 120 a or maybe received from other devices (such as external managing node 110 or amemory card accessed through interface circuitry 235). In more detail,such exemplary data generated and/or maintained in memory 215 maycomprise at least container data 275, scan generated data 280, sensordata 285, and notification/alert data 290.

In an embodiment, container data 275 is generally a type of data aboutthe container to be loaded and/or one or more items to be shipped withinthe container. For example, container data 275 may include containertype information that identifies the type of the container and providesbaseline dimensional information related to the space within thecontainer; data on the current status of space within the container ordetermined currently occupied capacity of the container; and data on adesired load status of the container reflecting how full the exemplarycontainer should be when considered to be in a desired load state.

Container data 275 may also include data on items loaded into thecontainer, such as an inventory type of listing provided by an externalsource (such as external managing node 110) or a list of items to beshipped detected or identified by the scanning sensor node as each ofthe detected items are loaded into the container.

Container data 275 may also include previously available materialdimension data associated with a shipping item loaded into the spacewithin the container where, if available, such data comes from anexternal source, such as the external managing node 110. Such previouslyavailable material dimension data may be generated, for example, by aprior logistics operation (e.g., a prior scanning operation thatdetermines the dimensions of the item being shipped). Container data 275may also include current dimensional data representing the shipping itemas transformed by the scanning sensor node 120 a based upon scan datafor a shipping item as generated by the scanning sensor node 120 a.

In one embodiment, scan generated data 280 is generally a type of datagenerated by scanner 220 that reflects dimensional information. Suchscan data may be used in a variety of ways in the various embodimentsdescribed herein. For example, the scan data may be initial scan datathat includes baseline dimensional information related to dimensions ofthe storage space within the container. In another embodiment, scangenerated data 280 may include mapping data associated with mapped spacewithin the container after the item has been placed within thecontainer. In still other embodiments, scan generated data 280 mayreflect one or more snapshot scans of the space within the containerfrom above the space and within the container where the scan indicatesan approximate available volume left to be filled within a storageportion of the container.

In one embodiment, sensor data 285 is generally a type of data generatedby use of sensors, such as light sensor 225 and additional sensors 230.Such sensor data 285 may include data related to conditions of thecontainer (including conditions about the container itself, the interiorspace within the container, or contents within the container). In a morespecific example, sensor data 285 may include information detected as anenvironmental change, such as a sensor detected level of light withinthe container, temperature within the container, humidity within thecontainer, concussive force related to the container, atmosphericchemical composition change within the container, auditory level changerelated to the container, barometric pressure within the container,and/or smoke particle concentration within the container.

In an embodiment, notification/alert data 290 is generally a type ofdata used when the scanning sensor node 120 a generates and/or transmitsa notification or other message to another device, such as the externalmanaging node 110. For example, notification/alert data 290 may includedata for a container status update message; data for a desired loadmessage on whether the desired loading state of the container has beenidentified or met; data related to a time taken to load the containerand used as part of a load time message; data related to a requestedchange to a load operation for the container (e.g., a request foradditional personnel to be involved in loading the container);summarized data of what has been loaded into the container; alert dataassociated with an operational safety condition within the container(e.g., movement within the storage space of the container while thecontainer is in a closed state); and information used in transmittingupdated current dimensional data representing the item being shipped.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above identificationof particular program code modules 260-270 and data 275-290 are notexhaustive and that embodiments may include further executable programcode or modules as well as other data relevant to operations of aspecially programmed processing-based device, such as an scanning sensornode.

In light of the above description of an exemplary architecture andcomponent parts of exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a (as illustratedin FIG. 2) and other elements of a networked system that may use suchexemplary scanning sensor node 120 a (as illustrated in FIG. 1), theremaining figures illustrate aspects of one or more exemplary logisticsoperations that are enhanced and improved through advantageous use ofexemplary scanning sensor node 120 a. Specifically, FIGS. 3A-3Eillustrate an exemplary loading operation involving exemplary scanningsensor node 120 a while FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate aspects whereexemplary scanning sensor node 120 a may be used in a closed container.FIGS. 5-9 are flow diagrams related to various exemplary methods thatleverage use of an exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a to enhance andimprove different types of logistics operations involved in loadingand/or shipping an item within a container.

As noted above, FIGS. 3A-3E are a series of diagrams generallyillustrating an exemplary installation and various exemplary operationsinvolving an exemplary scanning sensor node apparatus (such as scanningsensor node 120 a) deployed within a container as items are loadedwithin the container in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention. Referring now to FIG. 3A, exemplary container 115 a is shownhaving door 300 or other closable opening through which logisticspersonnel may load items 130 a-130 e into container 115 a, a ceiling 305above the storage space within container 115 a, a floor 310 on whichitems may be placed for shipment within the container 115 a. In anembodiment, prior to loading container 115 a, scanning sensor node 120 amay be mounted to ceiling 305. As explained with reference to FIG. 2, anembodiment of scanning sensor node 120 a may be mounted in a manner thatmay be permanent or not intended to be removed from the container 115 a,or may be mounted as a removable, easily detachable device withincontainer 115 a. In some applications, logistics personnel may desire toremove the scanning sensor node 120 a from ceiling 305 of container 115a once the container 115 a has been loaded.

Once installed or mounted to ceiling 305, scanning sensor node 120 a maybe activated as shown in FIG. 3B. Referring now to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 3B, exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a has beentemporarily mounted within the container and above the space within thecontainer, so that scanner 220 (e.g., a depth sensor or group of depthsensing elements) on the scanning sensor node 120 a may beadvantageously oriented to scan a storage space 315 within the container115 a from within the container 115 a and above the space 315. Onceactivated, scanning sensor node 120 a may also communicate with externalmanaging node 110 and may receive information, such as container typeinformation that identifies the type of container 115 a and providebaseline dimensional information related to the available storage space315 for container 115 a. In another embodiment, scanning sensor node 120a may identify the type of container by conducting an initial scan ofthe space 315 within container 115 a from the above the storage space315 in order to determine baseline dimensional information on thestorage space 315 from the initial scan.

With baseline dimensional information about space 315 stored withinmemory 215 of the scanning sensor node 120 a, exemplary scanning sensornode 120 a may track and monitor the space 315 as logistics personnelload container 115 a as reflected in FIG. 3C. For example, after item130 a has been brought into and placed within the storage space 315 ofcontainer 115 a, scanning sensor node 120 a is operative to conduct ascan, which generates scan data, and then determines an unoccupiedamount of space 315 remaining based upon the generated scan data. In anembodiment, the timing of such a scan may, for example, be based onwhether scanning sensor node 120 a no longer detects movement (e.g.,movement of the logistics personnel involved in loading container 115 a)within space 315.

Scanning sensor node 120 a may continue to incrementally scan space 315within container 115 a as further items are loaded. For example, asadditional items to be shipped within container 115 a are placed withinspace 315, scanning sensor node 120 a may scan and determine an updatedamount of unoccupied space left within storage space 315 as shown inFIG. 3D. In some embodiments, types of container data 275 may be storedby scanning sensor node 120 a to reflect a current status of space 315within container 115 a as well as data related to the items loadedwithin space 315 (e.g., a listing of items within space 315, transformeddimensional data representing a particular one or more of the items, andthe like). In some embodiments, scanning sensor node 120 a may transmita message to another device, such as external managing node 110, with acontainer status update that reflects a determined unoccupied amount ofthe storage space 315. And as shown in FIG. 3D, space 315 is nearly to adesired loading state having loaded items 130 a-130 n-1 now maintainedwithin space 315.

Once item 130 n is loaded into space 315 (FIG. 3D), a further scan byscanning sensor node 120 a may identify that the loaded items 130 a-130n now maintained within space 315 (FIG. 3E) reflect a desired loadingstate of the container 115 a. For example and as explained in moredetail below, such a desired loading state may be when the unoccupiedportion of storage space 315 reaches a desired threshold percentage ofthe baseline dimensional information on space 315. Those skilled in theart will also realize that the desired loading state may be relative tohow of space 315 is occupied and/or how much of space 315 is unoccupied.Either or both indications of the status of space 315 may be usedrelative to a threshold when determining if the space 315 has reachedthe desired loading state.

Once scanning sensor node 120 a identifies that the scanned space 315reflects the desired loading state for this particular container 115 a(which may vary per container type and/or particular container basedupon what items are to be shipped within the container), scanning sensornode 120 a may indicate such on the node 120 a (such as with visual oraudio feedback to loading personnel) or transmit a desired load messageto another node element in the networked system, such as externalmanaging node 110. Such a desired load message may reflect that thedesired loading state of the container has been identified, and thecontainer is ready for shipment. In further embodiments, othernotifications may be generated by the scanning sensor node 120 a oncethe desired loading state is identified, such as a notification or alertprovided through interfacing circuitry 235 and intended to notify oralert logistics personnel of reaching the desired loading state. Inanother embodiment, external managing node 110 may respond to thedesired load message and notify or alert such logistics personnel via,for example, a message to a user access device (such as device 140)associated with such logistics personnel.

In one or more embodiments where exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a isleft mounted within container 115 a after door 300 is closed, exemplaryscanning sensor node 120 a may further enhance the technical field oflogistics operations (e.g., monitored loading and shipment management)by operating to detect an operational safety condition within thecontainer. FIGS. 4A-4B are diagrams illustrating various exemplaryconfigurations of elements where an operational safety condition may bedetected within exemplary container 115 a using exemplary scanningsensor node apparatus 120 a in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the invention. Referring now to FIG. 4A, container 115 a is shownafter having been loaded but when scanning sensor node 120 a maps orscans storage space 315 to determine a change in the mapped storagespace 315. For example, scanning sensor node 120 a may previously havescanned space 315 and determine that spaces 400 were previously occupiedbut now are unoccupied. This may, in as embodiment, reflect a changedlocation for one or more items within space 315, which reflectsunintended/undesired movement within container 315 and indicate a typeof operational safety condition (e.g., items shifted during shipment,some items may no longer be supported and may pose a safety threat tologistics personnel that have to unload container 115 a, some items maybe crushed and may have spilled contents into the container 315, and thelike). As such, scanning sensor node 120 a may generate a responsivenotification or alert and provide the notification or alert to amanaging node, such as external managing node 110, to report such anoperational safety condition. In some embodiments, external managingnode 110 may then further report this operational safety condition tothe back-end server 100 so that server 100 may notify relevant logisticspersonnel about the particular detected operational safety conditionwithin container 115 a and request and/or direct responsive action(e.g., issue a notification to logistics personnel to re-open container115 a, notify logistics personnel of potential hazardous conditionswithin container 115 a based on what is being shipped within container115 a, communicate with external managing node 110 to cause scanningsensor node 120 a to monitor environmental conditions within container115 a to detect further changes, such as an increase in temperature,humidity, other changes in unoccupied space, concussive forces detectedwithin or to the container, the existence of smoke particles, theexistence of relevant chemicals, and the like).

In another embodiment where exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a is leftmounted within container 115 a after door 300 is closed, exemplaryscanning sensor node 120 a may further detect an operational safetycondition within the container related to another type of detectedmovement within the closed container. As shown in FIG. 4B, container 115a is shown during a stage of loading container 115 a, but when scanningsensor node 120 a detects that door 300 is closed and detects multipleor frequency movement within container 115 a. Such a situation mayindicate a type of operational safety condition where a loader, such asperson 410, has been mistakenly left or locked within container 115. Insuch a detected situation, the operational safety condition may be asafety warning not to ship the container and may indicate that thecontainer 115 a should be reopened. As such, scanning sensor node 120 amay generate a responsive notification or alert to a managing node, suchas external managing node 110, to report such an operational safetycondition associated with the detected closed door and movement withinthe container. In some embodiments, external managing node 110 may thenfurther report this operational safety condition to the back-end server100 so that server 100 may notify relevant logistics personnel about theparticular detected operational safety condition within container 115 aand request and/or direct responsive action (e.g., issue a notificationto logistics personnel to not ship container 115 a and a notification tore-open container 115 a) in order to resolve the safety situationrelative to any person detected within the closed container 115 a.

Enhanced Quantifying of Space within a Container

In the context of the above description related to an exemplary scanningsensor node, such as node 120 a, deployed and used within a container toenhance and improve a loading operation for the container, furtherembodiments are described below in varying degrees of detail. Asdiscussed above, a fundamental functionality of an embodiment ofscanning sensor node, such as node 120 a, may be to quantify storagespace within a container from within the container and from anadvantageous position within that container. FIG. 5 is a flow diagramillustrating an exemplary method for quantifying space within acontainer using a removable scanning sensor node in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. Referring now to FIG. 5, method 500 beginsat step 505 with the removable scanning sensor node identifying a typeof the container. In a more detailed embodiment of method 500, theremovable scanning sensor node (such as scanning sensor node 120 a) mayidentify the type of the container by conducting an initial scan of thespace within the container from the perspective of the removablescanning sensor node oriented to look down from the ceiling within thecontainer (where the scanning sensor node is mounted, such as that shownin FIG. 2). The initial scan may provide initial scan data that at leastincludes baseline dimensional information related to the availablestorage space (such as space 315) within the container. Morespecifically, the removable scanning sensor node may identify the typeof the container based upon one or more dimensional parameters (e.g.,length, width, depth) of the baseline dimensional information from theinitial scan data.

In a further embodiment, the removable scanning sensor node may identifythe type of the container in step 505 by transmitting a request to asecond node, where the request is for container type information relatedto the container. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, exemplary scanningsensor node 120 a is mounted within container 115 a and may, in thisembodiment, transmit a request to external managing node 110 forcontainer type information (which may identify the type of the containerand provide baseline dimensional information related to the space withinthat type of container). In response, the second node device (such asexternal managing node 110) may transmit the requested container typeinformation that is then received by the removable scanning sensor node.

At step 510, method 500 continues with the scanning sensor node scanningthe space within the container to generate scan data using at least onedepth sensor on the removable scanning sensor node. Here, the removablescanning sensor node is temporarily mounted within the container andabove the space within the container (e.g., above the space where ascanner element is aimed directly down, or above but to the side of thespace so that the scanner element is aimed in a downward perspectiveeven if not directly down). In this configuration, the depth sensor(s)on the removable scanning sensor node may be oriented to scan the spacewithin the container from above the space and within the container. Forexample, scanning sensor node 120 a may use scanner 220, which may be asingle depth sensor, multiple depth sensors, or an array or other groupof depth sensing elements, to map out space 315 within container 115 a.

In a further embodiment, the removable scanning sensor node may conductsuch scanning to generate scan data by taking multiple dimensionalmeasurements related to an interior region of the container (such asstorage space 315 of container 115 a) using at least one depth sensor onthe removable scanning sensor node. Such a depth sensor part of theremovable scanning sensor node may be disposed or mounted on orsubstantially near the ceiling of the container and aligned to scan forthe dimensional measurements from above the interior region of thecontainer. For example, detachable coupling 205 may provide a mechanismfor mounting the scanning sensor node and its depth sensor (moregenerally referred to as scanner 220) in an appropriate and desiredorientation such that the depth sensor has a field of view and exposurethat includes storage space 315 as shown in FIG. 3B. In more detail, theone or more depth sensors making up scanner 220 on removable scanningsensor node 120 a may be implemented with a plurality of scanningelements disposed within the container (e.g., physically spaced outdepth sensor elements along the ceiling 305 or top of the walls near theceiling 305 of container 115 a) to scan for the dimensional measurementsfrom above the interior region of the container.

In yet a further embodiment, the scanning of step 510 may be performedby the removable scanning sensor node only while the removable scanningsensor node detects there is no movement within the space within thecontainer. Such an enhancement avoids wasting energy and processingassociated with conducting a scan and generating scan data when what isphysically within the storage space of the container may be moving andnot intended to stay within the storage space (e.g., loading personnelentering to place one or more items being shipped)

At step 515, method 500 continues with the removable scanning sensornode determining an unoccupied amount of the space within the containerbased upon the generated scan data from step 510. In more detail, theunoccupied amount of the space further may be considered an approximateavailable volume left to be filled in a designated storage portionwithin the container. Such an approximate available volume left may befilled with items to be shipped, as well as other structure that may notinclude items to be shipped (e.g., cushioning material, supportstructure that may be required to support and/or hold the items beingshipped securely in place within the storage area of the container, andthe like).

In a further embodiment of method 500, step 515 may have the scanningsensor node determining the unoccupied amount of the space within thecontainer by being operative to assess the scanned space within thecontainer relative to baseline dimensional information according to theidentified type of the container. For example, if the identified type ofcontainer is an intermodal shipping freight container, the container mayhave baseline dimensional information relative to the freightcontainer's empty storage footprint (e.g., length and widthmeasurements) and height that collectively indicates the availablestorage space to be used within the particular intermodal shippingfreight container.

In another embodiment, determining the unoccupied amount of the spacemay be accomplished when the removable scanning sensor node determinesthe unoccupied amount of the space within the container based upon anaverage of the scan data generated over time when scanning the spacewithin the container from above the space. In more detail, determiningthe unoccupied amount of the space in still another embodiment may beaccomplished when the removable scanning sensor node determines theunoccupied amount of the space within the container based upon anaverage of scan data generated over time when scanning the space withinthe container from above the space and while the removable scanningsensor node detects movement within the container.

In a more detailed embodiment, step 505 of method 500 may beaccomplished by having the removable scanning sensor node accessmaterial dimension data from a source external to the removable scanningsensor node (such as from external managing node 110). The materialdimension data is associated with a shipping item loaded into the spacewithin the container. As such, the scanning sensor node may determinethe unoccupied amount of the space within the container based upon thescan data and the accessed material dimension data, such that thedetermined unoccupied amount of the space represents a current status ofthe space within the container below the interior roof surface. Havingaccess to material dimension data as well as scan data may allow forenhanced accuracy of determining the unoccupied amount of spaceremaining within a storage area of the container. In even more detail,the determining step 505 may be accomplished by the scanning sensor nodedetermining the unoccupied amount of the space based upon a comparisonof the accessed material dimension data and an average of scan datagenerated by the depth sensor(s) over time when scanning the spacewithin the container from above the space and while the scanning sensornode detects movement within the container.

And as incrementally more items to be shipped are loaded into thecontainer, a further embodiment of method 500 may have step 515 usingthe removable scanning sensor node (such as node 120 a) to dynamicallydetermine the unoccupied amount of the space as each of the additionalshipping items are loaded into the space within the container.

A further embodiment may include further steps 520-530 involvingcommunications with a second node device, such as external managing node110. As such, method 500 may continue at step 520 with the removablescanning sensor node transmitting a container status update message to asecond node element (such as the external managing node 110). Such acontainer status update message reflects the determined unoccupiedamount of the space within the container, and passes this informationback to other elements within the networked system, such as that shownin FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3A-3E.

At step 525, method 500 may continue with the removable scanning sensornode identifying when the scanned space within the container reflects adesired loading state of the container. This identification may beaccomplished, for example, when the removable scanning sensor nodecompares the determined unoccupied amount of the space within thecontainer to parameters associated with the container (a type ofcontainer data 275) that reflect and indicate the container is deemedfull and that additional loading should cease. Thus, in someembodiments, the desired loading state may be that the determinedunoccupied amount of space falls below a threshold level indicative ofthe full and sufficiently loaded container for that type of containerbeing loaded.

At step 530, method 500 may continue further with the removable scanningsensor node transmitting a desired load message to the second nodeelement (such as the external managing node 110). Such a desired loadmessage may reflect whether the desired loading state of the containerhas been identified by the scanning sensor node, and is transmitted toinform other logistical elements of the networked system, such as theexternal managing node 110 and back-end server 100 so that furthertracking and managing of shipments within the container as well as thecontainer itself may be updated in a more efficient and timely manner.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that method 500 as disclosedand explained above in various embodiments may be implemented with anapparatus, such as exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3A-3E, running one or more parts of scanning operationprogram code 260. Such code may be stored on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium such as memory storage 215 on scanning sensornode 120 a. Thus, when executing code 260, the processing unit 210 ofscanning sensor node 120 a may be operative to perform operations orsteps from the exemplary methods disclosed above, including method 500and variations of that method.

In another embodiment, such an exemplary scanning sensor apparatus maybe disposed within a container to quantify space within the container.In this embodiment, the structural elements of the apparatus, such asexemplary scanning sensor node 120 a illustrated in FIG. 2, may includeat least a housing, a processing unit, a memory, a depth sensor, awireless interface, and a power source. The housing of the apparatus isconfigured to mount to an interior roof surface within the container,such as ceiling 305 of container 115 a. In a more detailed embodiment,the housing may be configured to be detachably mounted to the interiorroof surface within the container, for example, via detachable coupling205 described above.

The processing unit is disposed within the housing along with the memory(such as memory 215), which is operatively coupled to the processingunit and maintains at least a scanning program code section (such asexemplary scanning program code 260) for execution by the processingunit. The depth sensor is also operatively coupled to the processingunit (such as how scanner 220 is shown connected to processing unit 210of scanning sensor node 120 a in FIG. 2). As mounted to the interiorroof surface, the depth sensor is disposed and oriented to scan thespace within the container below the interior roof surface. In a moredetailed embodiment, the depth sensor may be implemented with aplurality of depth sensors that each may be disposed and oriented toscan at least a respective portion of the space within the containerbelow the interior roof surface.

The wireless communication interface is also operatively coupled to theapparatus' processing unit and is disposed within the housing (even ifthe antenna coupled to the interface has all or a portion extending outof the housing). The power source, such as power source 250 describedabove, provides electrical power to active circuitry of the apparatusand may be a rechargeable power unit or a replaceable power unit.

The apparatus' processing unit, when executing the scanning program codesection, specially adapts the apparatus beyond that of a generalcomputer given the unconventional nature of the collective steps andoperative collective functionality as described herein. As such, theprocessing unit in this embodiment is operative to at least identify atype of the container and baseline dimensional information related tothe space within the identified type of the container; store thebaseline dimensional information in the memory; cause the depth sensorto scan the space within the container below the interior roof surface;receive, from the depth sensor, scan data generated during the scan; anddetermine an unoccupied amount of the space within the container as thecontainer is being loaded with material (such as one or more items beingshipped) occupying the space within the container, where thedetermination of the unoccupied space depends on the baselinedimensional information and the scan data representing a current statusof the space within the container below the interior roof surface.

In more detail, the processing unit in an embodiment may be operative toidentify the type of the container and the baseline dimensionalinformation by being further operative to cause the depth sensor toconduct an initial scan of the space within the container with the depthsensor oriented with a field of view down from the interior roof surfacewithin the container. Such an initial scan may provide the baselinedimensional information related to the space within the container belowthe interior roof surface (e.g., ceiling 305 of container 115 a). Theprocessing unit may further be operative to then identify the type ofthe container based upon one or more dimensional parameters of thebaseline dimensional information from the initial scan.

In a further embodiment, the processing unit may operative to identifythe type of the container and the baseline dimensional information bybeing further operative to cause the wireless communications interfaceto transmit a request for container type information to a second nodedevice (such as external managing node 110 that operates as an accesspoint for the scanning sensor node apparatus). The processing unit maythen receive the requested container type information from the wirelesscommunication interface after the wireless communication interfacereceives the requested container type information from the second node,where the requested container type information identifies the type ofthe container and provides the baseline dimensional information relatedto the space within the container.

The exemplary apparatus may take advantage of multiple depth sensormappings to enhance its scanning operation. For example, in a furtherembodiment, the processing unit may be operative to cause the depthsensor to determine a plurality of dimensional measurements related toan interior region of the space within the container, where theplurality of dimensional measurements are determined from the scan datagenerated during the scan. In yet another embodiment, the depth sensoritself may be implemented by multiple scanning elements (e.g., differentdepth sensing cameras that collectively take depth measurements)disposed within the container to scan for the dimensional measurementsfrom above the interior region of the container. In more detail, anembodiment of the depth sensor may operate to map a void within thespace (such as the void within space 315 to be taken up by item 130 nshown in FIG. 3D or the voids 400 detected by scanning sensor node 120 ashown in FIG. 4A when an item has moved). Such an exemplary depth sensormay be implemented by, for example, one or more of a camera, an infraredsource and sensor, and a laser scanner.

In an embodiment, the processing unit may be further operative to causethe wireless communication interface to transmit a container statusupdate message to a second node element, such as external managing node110. Such a container status update message may serve to notify thesecond node elements about the determined unoccupied amount of the spacewithin the container and, thus, keep other components within a networkedsystem of components (such as a scanning sensor node, an externalmanaging node, and a server) informed relative to the ongoing loadingoperation of the container monitored by the apparatus.

When the scanned space within the container reflects a desired loadingstate of the container, the processing unit may further operative toidentify this state and responsively cause the wireless communicationsinterface to transmit a desired load message to the second node element.As such, the desired load message reflects whether the desired loadingstate of the container has been identified and, again, keeps othercomponents (such as the second node element) aware and informed aboutthe loading operation of the container monitored by the apparatus.

In another embodiment, the processing unit of the exemplary scanningsensor node apparatus may further be operative to determine theunoccupied space based upon an average of scan data generated over timewhen scanning the space within the container from above the space. Suchaveraging may allow for more accuracy and discount scans whereunintended objects (such as loading personnel and/or loading equipment)are temporarily present within the storage space being scanned withinthe container.

In a further embodiment, detecting movement may factor into when to scanthe storage space under the interior roof surface of the container. Forexample, a further embodiment may have the processing unit beingoperative to determine the unoccupied amount of the space based upon anaverage of scan data generated by the depth sensor over time whenscanning the space within the container from above the space and alsowhile the scanning sensor node detects movement within the container.This may help avoid scanning during long periods where nothing ischanging within the space being loaded within the container. In anotherembodiment, the processing unit may cause the depth sensor to scan thespace when the depth sensor detects there is no movement within thespace within the container. This may help avoid scanning whileunintended objects (such as loading personnel and/or loading equipment)are temporarily present within the storage space being scanned withinthe container. In another embodiment, the depth sensor may scan thespace after first detecting no movement for a period of time (e.g., noloading going on) and then detecting movement (e.g., loading the nextitem has begun).

An embodiment of the apparatus may also use material dimension datastored within memory, which may be a type of container data 275 storedand maintained within memory 215. In such an embodiment, the processingunit is operative to determine the unoccupied amount of space by beingfurther operative to access material dimension data stored within thememory. Such material dimension data may be generated by a sourceexternal to the removable scanning sensor node, such as a separatedimension scanning system that may scan or otherwise measure thedimension of items in a separate logistics operation, such as a shippingfacility sorting operation involving scanners and conveyor systems thatmove and facilitate automated shipment management of such items. Thematerial dimension data is associated with a shipping item loaded intothe space within the container; and determine the unoccupied amount ofthe space within the container based upon the scan data, the baselinedimensional information, and the accessed material dimension data.

In more detail, the processing unit may be programmed to determine theunoccupied amount of the space based upon a first comparison and asecond comparison. The first comparison may be of the accessed materialdimension data and an average of scan data generated by the depth sensorover time when scanning the space within the container from above thespace and while the scanning sensor node detects movement within thecontainer. The second comparison may be of the results of the firstcomparison compared to the baseline dimensional information, whichgenerally reflects an empty storage space within the container.

And finally, the processing unit may be further operative to dynamicallydetermine the unoccupied amount of the space as one or more additionalshipping items are loaded into the space within the container. Forexample, the apparatus may use an additional sensor 230, such as amotion detector or a wireless identification detector (e.g., an RFIDreader), to detect when one or more additional shipping items are loadedinto the space and then, in response, the processing unit maydynamically determine the unoccupied amount of the spaced based upon anysuch detections.

As described herein, an exemplary scanning sensor node (such as scanningsensor node 120 a) may be used as part of a method for quantifying spacewithin a container, as part of an apparatus that quantifies spacedwithin a container, as well as part of a system to quantify space withina container as the container is loaded. In an exemplary systemembodiment, such an exemplary system for quantifying space within acontainer may comprise a portable scanning sensor apparatus as describedabove and an external node (such as external managing node 110) incommunication with the portable scanning sensor apparatus. Theprocessing unit of the portable scanning sensor apparatus in the systemmay operate as discussed above, while the external node may be operativeto receive a container status update message from the wirelesscommunication interface of the portable scanning sensor apparatus andprovides an indication associated with the determined unoccupied amountof the space within the container. The external node may be furtheroperative to operate as the second node described above, but now as partof the exemplary system when, for example, providing requested containertype information.

The exemplary system may further comprise a server (such as server 100)in communication with at least the external node (such as externalmanaging node 110), where the external node receives one or morerequests from the portable scanning sensor apparatus and responds basedupon a communication or information received from the server (e.g.,requested container type information). The external node may further beoperative to provide an indication message to the server associated withthe determined unoccupied amount of the space within the container.

In a further embodiment, the external node may be a user access device,such as device 140, and notify an operator of the external node with theindication. The external node in such an embodiment may include adisplay (e.g., user interface, such as status lights, auditory displayelements (such as a speaker), or a more complex display that may showalphanumeric information) that notifies the operator about theindication.

In summary, various embodiments of exemplary methods, apparatus, andsystems are described above that leverage use of an exemplary scanningsensor node to help quantify space within a container as part technologythat enhances and improves monitoring and managing of a loadingoperation for the container.

Efficiency of Quantifying of Space within a Container

As explained above in general, an exemplary scanning sensor node, suchas node 120 a, may be deployed and used within a container to enhanceand improve a loading operation for the container. Further embodimentsmay enhance the efficiency of how to quantify the space within thecontainer in order to, for example, optimize battery power used in thescanning sensor node, optimize processing requirements for the scanningsensor node, and/or making efficient use of memory available forgenerated scan data while monitoring how a container may be loaded. Anexemplary scanning sensor node may take advantage of one or more of theonboard sensors to detect initiating and/or terminating conditions thathelp the scanning sensor node provide more efficient operations as thenode quantifies space within the container from a perspective of abovethe storage space (such as being mounted to ceiling 305 of container 115a above space 315 used to store items being shipped).

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an improved exemplary method forefficiently quantifying space within a container using a scanning sensornode disposed within the container and exposed to scan the space withinthe container from above the space in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention. Referring now to FIG. 6, method 600 begins at decisionstep 605 by detecting an initiating condition from within the containerusing an activation sensor on the scanning sensor node. An exemplaryactivation sensor may be, for example, light sensor 225 and/or one ormore of the additional sensors 230 as described in more detail aboveregarding FIG. 2. If an initiating condition is detected at step 605,method 600 proceeds to step 610. Otherwise, method 600 remains in alower power state in step 605 until an initiating condition is detected.Such a lower power state may have one or more elements of scanningsensor node operating in a mode where they use less energy (e.g.,unpowered mode, low energy mode, hibernate mode, or the like), thusconserving available electrical power from the scanning sensor node'spower source.

The initiating condition in step 605 reflects at least an anticipatedchange within the container, such as an opening of the container (e.g.,detection of the container door being open or light coming in fromoutside the container), a movement of contents maintained within thecontainer (e.g., items being shipped, packaging for the items, supportstructure holding the items, and the like), a cessation of movement fromwithin the container (e.g., no more detected movement of logisticspersonnel from with the container), a loading or unloading operationrelated to the container (e.g., a detected movement of logisticspersonnel from within the container), and a closing of the container.

In one embodiment, detecting the initiating condition from within thecontainer using the activation sensor in step 605 may involve detectingmovement within the container using a motion sensor as the activationsensor. In yet another embodiment, the step 605 of detecting theinitiating condition from within the container using the activationsensor may involve detecting an environmental change related to thecontainer as the initiating condition using at least one environmentalsensor as the activation sensor. Such an environmental sensor, in moredetailed embodiments, may operate to detect the environmental change asa detected threshold level of a measurable characteristic within orrelated to the container, such as light within the container,temperature within the container, humidity within the container,concussive force related to the container, atmospheric chemicalcomposition change within the container, auditory level change relatedto the container, barometric pressure within the container, and smokeparticle concentration within the container.

At step 610, in response to detecting the initiating condition using theactivation sensor, the method 600 continues by using the scanning sensornode to capture a snapshot scan of the space within the container fromabove the space and within the container, such as space 315 withincontainer 115 a as seen by scanner 220 on exemplary scanning sensor node120 a mounted on ceiling 305. In general, a snapshot scan may beconsidered a scan that collectively captures a state of the storagespace seen by scanning sensor node (e.g., scanner 220 or elements ofscanner 220, such as different depth sensing scanner elements that maybe respectively oriented and/or aimed to view and scan differentportions of the storage space 315). In a further embodiment, step 610may be implemented when the scanning sensor node captures the snapshotscan using a depth sensor, and the snapshot scan of the space indicatesan approximate available volume left to be filled within a storageportion of the container.

Method 600 continues at step 615 with the scanning sensor node storingthe snapshot scan within its memory. For example, exemplary scanningsensor node 120 a may store scan data reflecting the snapshot scanwithin memory 215 as part of scan generated data 280.

At step 620, method 600 may continue with the scanning sensor nodegenerating a notification when the snapshot scan reflects a desired loadstatus of the container (e.g., a type of container data 275 thatreflects how full the container being loaded should be when consideredin the desired load state). Such a generated notification may, forexample, be transmitted directly to another device, such as externalmanaging node 110, or may be transmitted to yet another device (such asserver 100 or user access device 140) through an intermediary accesspoint type of node (such as external managing node 110). In this manner,elements outside of the scanning sensor node may be efficiently alertedto a state of the container being loaded.

At step 625, method 600 may have the scanning sensor node periodicallycapture one or more additional snapshot scans of the space within thecontainer from above the space and within the container. In a moredetailed embodiment, step 625 may have the scanning sensor nodecapturing the one or more additional snapshot scans until the scanningsensor node detects a terminating condition at step 630 from within thecontainer using the activation sensor. For example, the terminatingcondition may be an environmental condition, such as a detected lack ofmovement within the container over a defined monitoring period or adetected closed container door. Thus, an exemplary scanning sensor nodemay capture snapshot scans until the detected terminating condition.

At step 635, method 600 may proceed with the scanning sensor nodedetecting a second initiating condition from within the container usingthe activation sensor. Such a second initiating condition may be similaror different than other initiating conditions (such as the initiatingcondition of step 605) and reflects at least a further anticipatedchange within the container after detecting the terminating condition.If the second initiating condition is detected at step 635, method 600may proceeds to step 640. Otherwise, method 600 may remain in a lowerpower state in step 635 until the second initiating condition isdetected.

However, once the second initiating condition is detected in step 635,method 600 may proceed to step 640 where the scanning sensor node mayperiodically capture further additional snapshot scans of the spacewithin the container until the scanning sensor node detects a secondterminating condition from within the container using the activationsensor. For example, the action of beginning to load a first item intostorage space 315 of container 115 a may cause a first initiatingcondition where the scanning sensor node may capture one or moresnapshot scans of space 315 from above space 315 until the scanningsensor node detects a terminating condition, such as when the logisticspersonnel doing the loading leaves the storage space 315. Detecting thesecond initiating condition, capturing of additional snapshot scan(s),and then detecting the second terminating condition may occur when, forexample, the logistics personnel comes back into the container 115 a toplace another item within space 315 as loading continues.

Method 600 may also include step 645 (similar to step 620) where thescanning sensor node generates a notification when a current of thesnapshot scans reflects a desired load status of the container. As such,the scanning sensor node may itself indicate the desired load stat,and/or transmit a message on the status through its wirelesscommunication interface to an external device, such as external managingnode 110, or may have the message transmitted to yet another device(such as server 100 or user access device 140) through an intermediaryaccess point type of node (such as external managing node 110). In thismanner, the scanning sensor node as well as elements outside of thescanning sensor node may be efficiently alerted to a state of thecontainer being loaded and, in more detail, that the container beingloaded is at its desired load state.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that method 600 as disclosedand explained above in various embodiments may be implemented with anapparatus, such as exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3A-3E, running one or more parts of scanning operationprogram code 260. Such code may be stored on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium such as memory storage 215 on scanning sensornode 120 a. Thus, when executing code 260, the processing unit 210 ofscanning sensor node 120 a may be operative to perform operations orsteps from the exemplary methods disclosed above, including method 600and variations of that method.

In another embodiment, an improved scanning sensor apparatus may bedisposed within a container to efficiently quantify space within thecontainer. In this embodiment, the structural elements of the apparatus,which may be implemented with exemplary scanning sensor node 120 aillustrated in FIG. 2, may include at least a housing, a processingunit, a memory, a depth sensor, and an activation sensor. The housing ofthe apparatus is configured to mount to within the container above thespace within the container. In a more detailed embodiment, the housingmay be configured to be removed or detach from the container after beingmounted within the container, as described with respect to the exemplaryembodiment and components illustrated in FIG. 2.

The processing unit is disposed within the housing along with the memory(such as memory 215), which is operatively coupled to the processingunit and maintains at least a scanning program code section (such asexemplary scanning program code 260) for execution by the processingunit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that an embodiment withexemplary scanning program code 260 as described above with reference toFIG. 6 may include additional or alternative programming instructionsthan that reflected in different embodiment of scanning program code 260defining the functionality called out with respect to FIG. 5.

The depth sensor is also operatively coupled to the processing unit(such as how scanner 220 is shown connected to processing unit 210 ofscanning sensor node 120 a in FIG. 2). The depth sensor of the apparatus(such as scanner 220) is exposed to the space within the container fromabove the space, and operates to capture a snapshot scan relative to thespace within the container from above the space. In a more detailedembodiment, the depth sensor may be implemented with a plurality ofdepth sensors that each may be disposed and oriented to scan at least arespective portion of the space within the container from above thespace.

The activation sensor is also operatively coupled to the processing unit(such as how light sensor 225 and/or additional sensors 230 arerespectively connected to processing unit 210 shown in FIG. 2). Ingeneral, the activation sensor is a type of sensor or detector thatfunctions to monitor an environmental condition of the space within thecontainer. For example, the activation sensor may include one or more ofa motion sensor that detects movement within the container as theenvironmental condition; a light sensor that detects a threshold levelof light within the container as the environmental condition; atemperature sensor that detects a threshold level of temperature withinthe container as the environmental condition; a humidity sensor thatdetects a threshold level of humidity within the container as theenvironmental condition; a kinetic force sensor that detects aconcussive force related to the container as the environmentalcondition; a chemical sensor that detects an atmospheric chemicalcomposition change within the container as the environmental change; amicrophone that detects an auditory level change related to thecontainer as the environmental change; a pressure sensor that detects abarometric pressure within the container as the environmental change;and a smoke sensor that detects a smoke particle concentration withinthe container as the environmental change.

The apparatus' processing unit, when executing this embodiment of thescanning program code section, specially adapts the apparatus beyond ageneral computer given the unconventional nature of the collective stepsand operative functionality imparted by the program code as describedherein. As such, the processing unit in this embodiment is operative toat least receive an initiating condition signal from the activationsensor, where the initiating condition signal reflects at least ananticipated change to the monitored environmental condition of the spacewithin the container; in response to receiving the initiating conditionsignal, cause the depth sensor to capture the snapshot scan of the spacewithin the container from above the space and within the container; andaccess the memory to store the captured snapshot scan data within thememory.

In more detail, the snapshot scan data may indicate an approximateavailable volume left to be filled of the space within a storage portionof the container captured by the depth sensor. Additionally, theanticipated change to the monitored environmental condition (within orotherwise related to the container) may include, for example, at leastone of an opening of the container (e.g., detected with a scanner, amotion sensor and/or light sensor as the activation sensor), a movementof contents maintained within the container (e.g., detected with thescanner and/or motion sensor as the activation sensor), ceased movementwithin the container (e.g., detected with the scanner and/or motionsensor as the activation sensor), a loading and/or unloading operationrelated to the container (e.g., detected with the scanner and/or motionsensor as the activation sensor), and a closing of the container (e.g.,detected with a scanner, a motion sensor and/or light sensor as theactivation sensor).

In a further embodiment, the processing unit may cause the depth sensorto periodically capture one or more additional snapshot scans of thespace within the container from above the space and within thecontainer. In more detail, this may be accomplished when the processingunit causes the depth sensor to periodically capture the additionalsnapshot scan(s) until receiving a terminating condition signal from theactivation sensor. Further still, another embodiment may have theprocessing unit being able to access the memory to store in the memoryat least a most recent of the one or more additional snapshot scans.

In yet another embodiment, the processing unit of the apparatus may beoperative to receive a second initiating condition from the activationsensor after receiving the terminating condition signal from theactivation sensor, where the second initiating condition reflects atleast a further anticipated change to the monitored environmentalcondition of the space within the container. In response to receivingthe second initiating condition signal, the processing unit may alsocause the depth sensor to periodically capture further additionalsnapshot scans of the space within the container, and then cause thedepth sensor to cease capturing the further additional snapshot scans ofthe space within the container upon receiving a second terminatingcondition signal from the activation sensor. The processing unit maythen be operative to access the memory to store in the memory at least amost recent of the one or more additional snapshot scans.

In still further embodiments, the apparatus may include a wirelesscommunications interface, such as one or both of wireless interfaces 240and 245 shown in FIG. 2. Such a wireless communication interface may bedisposed within the housing, be operatively coupled to the processingunit, and may transmit one or more messages over a wirelesscommunication path to other devices (such as external managing node 110)as part of an improved logistics process and apparatus used in such aprocess. As such, an embodiment of the processing unit may generate anotification message when one or more of the snapshot scans reflects adesired load status of the container and cause the wirelesscommunication interface to transmit the notification message. In moredetail, the wireless communication interface may transmit thenotification message to at least one of a server system (such as server100) or an operator node device (such as user access device 140). A moredetailed example of such an operator node device may include, but is notlimited to, a smartphone, a tablet computing device, a laptop computer,and a terminal computing device. Such devices may be used by logisticspersonnel (generally referred to as an operator) to receive suchnotification messages relevant to the loading operation involving thescanning sensor apparatus.

Managing Load Operations with a Scanning Sensor Node

Additional embodiments may enhance how an exemplary scanning sensor nodemay be deployed and used in a logistics operation regarding how tomanage load operations via, for example, having the scanning sensor nodethat can automatically identify an item to be shipped as the item isloaded in the container as well as monitor the occupied capacity withinthe container during the load operations. As explained in more detailbelow, automatically identifying the item to be shipped may beaccomplished via use of an identification scanner used on the scanningsensor node. Such an identification scanner may be implemented using,for example, a type of additional sensor 230 or wireless interface 240,245 that may detect or otherwise communicate with an identificationelement by scanning for or listening for the identification elementassociated with or related to one or more of the items being shipped.Such an identification element may, for example, be implemented by abarcode, a radio, a cellular radio device, a wireless network device, awireless data communications device operating under a lower powercommunication protocol and a wireless data communications deviceoperating under a higher power communication protocol, an RFID device,an NFC device, a Bluetooth device, a ZigBee device, and/or a Wi-Fidevice where the element is capable of providing information thatidentifies the related item being shipped.

FIGS. 7A and 7B collectively illustrated parts of an exemplary flowdiagram that describes several aspects of an improved exemplary methodfor managing a load operation related to a container using an exemplaryremovable scanning sensor node in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring now to FIG. 7A, method 700 begins at step 705 withthe removable scanning sensor node identifying an item to be shippedwithin the container. For example, the removable scanning sensor node(such as scanning sensor node 120 a) may identify the item when the itemis loaded and placed within the container. Thus, as the item is beingloaded and/or after the item has been placed within storage space withinthe container, scanning sensor node may scan (i.e., actively send out asignal and/or listen for a signal) for information related to the itemthat is being loaded or that is already placed within the storage space.In other words, an embodiment may have the scanning sensor nodeidentifying the item by conducting an identification scan of an item tobe shipped within the container (whether during loading or afterplacement) and identifying the item to be shipped based upon scan dataassociated with the identification scan.

For example, the identification scan may be performed by a barcodescanning element (e.g., a type of additional sensor 230) on scanningsensor node to identify the item via a detected barcode identificationelement (such as label) on packaging of the item. In another example,the scanning sensor node may conduct the identification scan to detect awireless identification element related to the item with one or morescanning elements of the scanning sensor node, such as a radio, a radiofrequency identification (RFID) reader, a near field communications(NFC) interface, Bluetooth® radio, or other wireless network datacommunications device, and the like. Examples of such a wirelessidentification element may generally be a communications device thatwirelessly broadcasts information associated with the item. Morespecifically, an example of the wireless identification element mayinclude but is not limited to a radio, a cellular radio device, awireless network device, a wireless data communications device operatingunder a lower power communication protocol and a wireless datacommunications device operating under a higher power communicationprotocol, an RFID device, an NFC device, a Bluetooth device, a ZigBeedevice, and a Wi-Fi device. And examples of such scanning elements mayoperate to read or receive identification information related to anidentification element, such as an RFID tag, an NFC device, anotherBluetooth® device, or another wireless network data communicationsdevice operating under a similar communications format, such as IEEEcommunication protocols in its various forms. As such, an embodiment ofone or more scanning elements of the scanning sensor node may beimplemented as a type of additional sensor 230 and/or a wirelessinterface (such as interfaces 240 and 245) as explained in more detailabove regarding FIG. 2.

At step 710, method 700 proceeds with the removable scanning sensor nodemapping the space within the container. In this step, the mapping isconducted after the item has been placed within the container and whilethe removable scanning sensor node is temporarily disposed within thecontainer and oriented to map the space within the container from abovethe space. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, exemplary scanning sensornode 120 may be temporarily mounted to ceiling 305 of container 115 a,and oriented so that its scanner 220 has a view and exposure tosufficiently map at least the relevant storage space 315 withincontainer 115 a from above the space 315 (e.g., looking down or downwardonto the storage space 315 to provide an advantageous perspective ofwhat is loaded and occupying the volume making up space 315).

At step 715, method 700 proceeds with the removable scanning sensor nodedetermining an occupied capacity within the container based upon mappingdata associated with the mapped space. This may, for example, involve acomparison of the mapping data related to what occupies the storagespace of the container to baseline information on the available capacitywithin the container (e.g., the available volume of the storage spacefor item placement within the container).

At step 720, exemplary method 700 proceeds with the removable scanningsensor node transmitting a notification to a managing node (such asexternal managing node 110) that is in communication with the removablescanning sensor node. The notification is related to the occupiedcapacity within the container (i.e., the portion of the storage spacewithin container that is occupied). Those skilled in the art willappreciate that such a notification related to the occupied capacity mayindicate a filled or unfilled amount of the storage space within thecontainer as such a notification provides an update related to a loadingoperation relative to the container. In a more detailed embodiment, thetransmitting step may have the removable scanning sensor node detectingif the determined occupied capacity meets a desired load status for thecontainer (e.g., a threshold percentage of filled or unfilled) andtransmitting the notification to the managing node when the determinedoccupied capacity at least meets the desired load status for thecontainer. In other words, the notification may indicate a status of thecontainer associated with the determined occupied capacity of thecontainer.

In a further embodiment, the notification may indicate a requestedchange to the load operation related to the container. For example, theremovable scanning sensor node may generate and transmit such anotification to request that additional personnel become involved inloading the container. Loading may be at an undesirably low amountrelative to the desire load status, and thus the notification may beprovided by the removable scanning sensor node as a suggestivenotification to enhance and improve the existing loading operation aspart of managing the loading operation of the container.

Additionally, an embodiment may have the notification indicating asummary of what has been loaded into the container associated with thedetermined occupied capacity of the container. This may be helpful inproviding information to other elements within a logistics system (suchas the system illustrated in FIG. 1 involving at least an externalmanaging node 110 and server 100).

Further steps illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B provide furtherenhancements in additional embodiments of method 700. For example, atstep 725, method 700 may further proceed by recording the determinedoccupied capacity into a memory of the removable scanning sensor node.Such information may be recorded as part of, for example, scan generateddata 280 within memory 215 of scanning sensor node 120 a.

And as additional items to be shipped may be loaded in the container,steps 730-740 may be performed to help monitor the occupied capacity ofthe container. In more detail, step 730 may have the removable scanningsensor identifying a plurality of additional items to be shipped withinthe container. Such an identifying step may be accomplished similar tostep 705 as described above as the items are loaded. In some instances,step 730 may identify the additional items as a group (e.g., items in amulti-piece shipment that may be packaged together or kept on commonpackaging structure, such as a pallet).

At step 735, method 700 may further proceed with the removable scanningsensor node periodically mapping the space within the container afterone or more of the additional items have been placed within thecontainer. For example, scanning sensor node may engage a scanner, suchas scanner 220, to further map storage space 315 once one or moreadditional items are within space 315.

After step 735, method 700 may proceed through transition A shown inFIG. 7A to transition A shown in FIG. 7B. Referring now to FIG. 7B,method 700 may then proceed to step 740 where the removable scanningsensor node may determine an updated occupied capacity within thecontainer based upon the mapped space after each of the periodic mappingsteps. Such periodic mapping (an determining as indicated in step 740)may be performed by the removable scanning sensor node until a desiredload status for the container is detected, which indicates the containerhas been loaded to a desired capacity and may be closed and prepared forshipment by logistics personnel.

At step 745, method 700 may have the removable scanning sensor nodetracking a time taken to load the container until detecting the desiredload status. For example, removable scanning sensor node may use anonboard sensor (such as scanner 220, light sensor 225, or one of theadditional sensors 230) to cause the processing unit on removablescanning sensor node to start a timer (which may be part of interfacecircuitry 235) to track loading time for the container.

At step 750, method 700 may then proceed by transmitting a load timemessage to the managing node from the removable scanning sensor node.The load time message reflects the tracked time taken to load thecontainer. In an embodiment, the tracked time may be the time frominitially detecting the beginning of loading the container (e.g.,starting of the timer noted with step 745) until detecting the desiredload status to reflect a sufficiently loaded container that may then beclosed and prepared for shipment.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that method 700 as disclosedand explained above in various embodiments may be implemented with anapparatus, such as exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3A-3E, running load operation program code 265 (whichmay be used to at least facilitate identifying an item) and scanningoperation program code 260 (when may be used to at least facilitatemapping the spaced within the container, determining the occupiedcapacity of the mapped space, and transmitting information about thesame to other devices). Such code modules may be stored on anon-transitory computer-readable medium such as memory storage 215 onscanning sensor node 120 a. Thus, when executing code 260 and 265, theprocessing unit 210 of scanning sensor node 120 a may be operative toperform operations or steps from the exemplary methods disclosed above,including method 700 and variations of that method.

In an embodiment, such an exemplary scanning sensor apparatus (such asexemplary scanning sensor node 120 a) may be disposed within a containerto quantify space within the container. In general, the apparatus mayinclude a housing, a processing unit, a depth sensor, an identificationscanner, and a wireless communication interface. In more detail, thehousing is configured to mount within the container in a positionlocated above storage space within the container, such as on thecontainer's ceiling, interior roof surface, or other structure disposedabove the storage space within the container (such as a structuralbeam). The processing unit is disposed within the housing as aprocessing core of the apparatus, such as processing unit 210 ofscanning sensor apparatus 120 a. The memory is disposed within thehousing, and is operatively coupled to the processing unit. The memoryis available for data generated during operation and maintains at leasta load operation program code section and a scanning program codesection for execution by the processing unit.

The depth sensor is operatively coupled to the processing unit anddisposed and oriented to map the storage space within the container fromabove the storage space, such as the scanner 220 shown in FIG. 2 that isoriented to map the storage space from above that space within thecontainer. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that above the spacemay contemplate having the depth sensor or scanning sensor node at anelevation higher than the space, albeit to one side of the space (suchas on a wall but elevated on the wall so as to provide a downward viewof part or all of the storage space in a container).

The identification scanner is operatively coupled to the processing unitand configured to identify an item to be shipped within the container.For example, the identification scanner may identify the item to beshipped by receiving a signal broadcast from a device associated withthe item to be shipped, where the signal includes data sufficient toidentify the item to be shipped. In a further example, the devicebroadcasting the signal to the identification scanner may generally beimplemented as a radio transmitter operative to generate and transmitthe signal to be received by the identification scanner. In anotherexample, the device broadcasting the signal to the identificationscanner may include at least one of a radio, a cellular radio device, awireless network device, a wireless data communications device operatingunder a lower power communication protocol and a wireless datacommunications device operating under a higher power communicationprotocol, an RFID device, an NFC device, a Bluetooth device, a ZigBeedevice, and a Wi-Fi device. However, the identification scanner may alsobe implemented as a barcode reader configured to identify the item to beshipped by capturing information about the item to be shipped from anencoded barcode label on an exposed surface of the item.

The processing unit, when executing the load operation program codesection and scanning program code, is operative to receive anidentification of the item to be shipped within the container from theidentification scanner (e.g., as the item is being loaded and placedwithin the storage space of the container); cause the depth sensor tomap the storage space within the container after the item has beenplaced within the container; receive mapping data generated by the depthsensor associated with the mapped storage space within the container;determine an occupied capacity within the container based upon themapping data associated with the mapped storage space; and instruct thewireless communication interface to transmit a notification to amanaging node in communication with the improved scanning sensorapparatus over the wireless communication interface, where thenotification is related to the occupied capacity within the container.Thus, the above-described exemplary scanning sensor apparatus mayoperate as described with respect to FIG. 7.

In still another embodiment, an improved system for managing loadoperations related to a plurality of containers leverages thefunctionality of multiple scanning sensor nodes (such as scanning sensornodes 120 a and 120 b) along with a managing node (such as externalmanaging node 110). Such an exemplary system generally comprises amanaging node device and a plurality of scanning sensor nodes where eachof the scanning sensor nodes is in operative wireless communication withthe managing node device.

Each of the scanning sensor nodes in the system is disposed within arespective one of the containers above a storage space within therespective container, such as attached to a ceiling, overhead beam, orother structure of the container that is located over the storage space.As such, each of the scanning sensor nodes mounted in respectivecontainers is operative to identify one or more items as the items areloaded into the storage space within the respective one of thecontainers using an identification scanner on the scanning sensor node;map the storage space from above the storage space using a sensor on thescanning sensor node while the items are loaded into the storage space;determine an occupied capacity within the respective one of thecontainers based upon mapping data generated by the sensor related tothe mapped storage space; and transmit a notification to the managingnode device. Such a notification is related to the occupied capacitywithin the respective one of the containers (e.g., how full thecontainer is or how much space is left within the container that may beused to ship additional items).

The managing node device in this system embodiment is associated with atleast one operator and has at least a wireless communication interfaceand a display interface that generates information to be provided to theoperator. For example, a managing node device may be implemented withexternal managing node 110 that has a display interface and isassociated with an operator (such as logistics personnel involved inloading and/or managing the loading of the containers). Another examplemay implement such a managing node device with a user access device 140(having a display interface and wireless interface) that may utilizeexternal managing node 110 merely as a communication intermediary orconduit type of device between user access device 140 (operating as amanaging node device in this system embodiment) and each of the scanningsensor nodes 120 a and 120 b.

The managing node device in this system embodiment is in operativewireless communication with each of the scanning sensor nodes via thewireless communication interface. As such, the managing node device inthis system embodiment operates and functions to receive one or morenotifications over the wireless communication interface from each of thescanning sensor nodes; assess the notification received from each of thescanning sensor nodes relative to at least one loading characteristic;generate a loading change message related to a change in the loadoperations related to the containers; and provide the loading changemessage on the display interface.

In a further embodiment of the system, the change in load operationsrelated to the containers may comprise a workload adjustment in the loadoperations. For example, the notification may request for additionallogistics personnel to be added to the loading operation of a particularcontainer. This may be because the time it is taking to load thecontainer, as tracked by a respective one of the scanning sensor nodedevices, may be longer than anticipated, which may prompt generation ofthe notification. The managing node device may then provide a relevantloading change message reflecting the workload adjustment to logisticspersonnel involved (including, for example, personnel currently involvedand/or personnel not yet involved in the loading operation). In moredetail, the loading change message may identify one or more of thecontainers where assistance is needed to more efficiently load the oneor more of the items associated with the identified container.

In another further embodiment, the change in load operations related tothe containers may comprise an indication that loading is completeregarding at least one of the containers. For example, the scanningsensor node device installed within a particular container may detect adesired load status reflecting a sufficiently full storage space, andtransmit the notification to the managing node device, which thenprovides the loading change message viewable to logistics personnelinvolved in the loading operation so that the personnel are quickly andefficiently informed about the full state of the particular container,and may then close up the container and ready it for shipment.

In another embodiment of the system, each of the scanning sensor nodesmounted in the respective one of the containers may be further operativetrack and report load time information. For example, each of thescanning scan nodes may determine a load time taken to load therespective one of the containers to the desired load status level andthen transmit a load time message to the managing node device. Such aload time message may reflect the load time taken to load the respectivecontainer to the desired load status level. Additionally, thetransmitted load time message may enable the managing node device topresent load time information to relevant logistics personnel operatingthe managing node device, pass along such load time information to othersystem devices or nodes, and/or record and archive such load timeinformation for purposes of recordkeeping, auditing, and/or analyticstracking of load times based on different shipment parameters associatedwith the load times (e.g., different types of containers, differentlogistics personnel, number of personnel used to load the container,particular loading patterns used to place the items within the storagespace of the container, time of day, weather, type of items being loadedinto the container, and the like).

While an embodiment of the system may have the managing node devicetaking on such responsible for providing data to scanning sensor nodedevices as well as management, recordkeeping, auditing, and/or analyticstracking related to the different load operations associated with thedifferent scanning sensor node devices, a further embodiment may includea server device in operative communication with the managing node deviceover the wireless communication interface of the managing node device.In more detail, the managing node device may then be operative toprovide the loading change message on the display interface bytransmitting a request to the server device for authorization to providethe loading change message on the display interface; receive theauthorization from the server device; and provide the loading changemessage on the display interface based on the received authorization.Thus, the server device may play an exemplary type of management rolewith respect to the loading operations being managed and monitored bythe system.

Further still, an embodiment of the system may have a notification froma scanning sensor node device including information on the items loadedinto at least one of the containers (e.g., stored as exemplary containerdata 275 in memory 215 of an exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a thatmay be deployed in such a system). As such, the managing node device maygenerate a container content message related to the notificationreceived from each of the scanning sensor node devices, and transmit thecontainer content message to the server device.

Detecting Safety Conditions with a Scanning Sensor Node

As noted above with respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B, further embodiments maydeploy an exemplary scanning sensor node (such as node 120 a) mountedwithin a container after the container is closed. In such aconfiguration, use of the exemplary scanning sensor node may furtherenhance the technical field of logistics operations involved in loadingand shipment management by operating to detect an operational safetycondition within the container. For example, an operational safetycondition may generally be a condition that may pose a safety issue toequipment (such as the container or structure supporting items beingshipped within the container), the actual items being shipped, and/orpersonnel involved in the logistics operation of loading or unloadingthe container. The ability to leverage the unconventional monitoringcapabilities of an exemplary scanning sensor node (such as scanningsensor node 120 a shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4A and 4B) in such an embodimentthat detects an operational safety condition advantageously enhances thesafety of logistics operations.

As described above, FIGS. 4A-4B are diagrams illustrating variousexemplary configurations of elements where an operational safetycondition may be detected within exemplary container 115 a usingexemplary scanning sensor node apparatus 120 a in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the invention. FIG. 8 is a flow diagram providesfurther details of such an embodiment, and illustrates an improvedexemplary method for detecting an operational safety condition within acontainer using an exemplary scanning sensor node, such as exemplaryscanning sensor node apparatus 120 a, deployed within the container inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 8, method 800 begins at step 805 with the scanningsensor node sensing if the container is in a closed state. An exemplaryscanning sensor node may have one or more sensors that may be able todetect and/or monitor whether the container is closed. For example, in afurther embodiment, step 805 may have the scanning sensor node sensingif the container is in a closed state by receiving light originatingfrom outside the container on a sensor on the scanning sensor node (suchas light sensor 225 on exemplary node 120 a shown in FIG. 2). As such,sensing a closed container may, for example, be when the received amountof the light is below a threshold level and, as a result, indicative ofthe closed state of the container.

In a more detailed example, the sensing involved in step 805 may beaccomplished by detecting light on a light sensitive sensor disposed onthe scanning sensor node, where the light sensitive sensor may beoriented towards an opening in the container and configured to detectthe light as originating from outside the container. Thus, the containeris in the closed state when the light sensitive sensor detects the lightfrom the opening at less than a threshold level.

In another embodiment, the sensing involved in step 805 may beaccomplished while the scanning sensor node is aware of the containertype. For example, the sensing in step 805 may involve identifying atype of the container by the scanning sensor node (e.g., from an initialscan or from requested information provided by another node device, suchas external managing node 110 or server 100); mapping a perceivedfootprint of the identified container by a scanner disposed on thescanning sensor node where the scanner (e.g., one or more depth scanningelements that may make up scanner 220) oriented within the container toat least map the storage space from above the storage space; and sensingthe container is in the closed state when the scanning sensor nodedetermines the perceived footprint of the container mapped by thescanner and reflected by the scan generated data exceeds a knownfootprint of the identified type of the container. As such, the scangenerated data may reflect that the perceived footprint of thecontainer's storage space contains more than what is known to be thestorage footprint for that type of container, thus indicating thescanner is “seeing” outside the container and that the container may notbe in the closed state.

In still another example, the container may have a dedicated containeropening sensor (e.g., a magnetic switch type of sensor on the containerand its door that establishes a magnetic state when the door is closed,or a plunger type of mechanical sensor that depresses when a closed dooractuates the mechanical sensor to detect a closed state, or aconventional contact sensor that establishes an electrical connectiononce the door is closed to indicate a closed state) to detect an open orclosed state of the container. Such a dedicated container opening sensormay be integrated as part of the container or be a physically separatesensor, and may be plugged into or otherwise operatively connected toscanning sensor node 120 a through interface circuitry 235.

Thus, when the scanning sensor node senses the container is in a closedstate in step 805, method 800 proceeds to step 810. Otherwise, method800 remains at step 805 sensing whether the container remains open andwhen it has closed.

At step 810, method 800 proceeds by monitoring, by the scanning sensornode, the storage space from above the storage space while the containeris in the closed state. In more detail, such monitoring may use ascanner on the scanning sensor node (such as scanner 220 as explainedwith respect to FIG. 2) to periodically map a change in the storagespace of the container over time.

At step 815, method 800 proceeds with the scanning sensor node detectinga movement within the container based upon the monitored readings,mapping, and/or scan data generated associated with the storage spacewhile the container is in the closed state. Such movement is indicativeof the operational safety condition. In a more detailed example, themovement may relate to a changed location of one or more items loadedwithin the storage space while the container is in the closed state. Assuch, the operational safety condition may be a safety warning relatedto the changed position of the one or more items and may also, forexample, indicate that the container should be reopened prior toshipment and/or that care and caution is advised when reopening thecontainer.

In a further embodiment, the monitoring in step 810 and detecting instep 815 may use a motion sensor or detector on the scanning sensor node(such as an additional sensor 230 as explained with respect to FIG. 2)to detect the movement. Such detected movement within the containerusing the motion sensor may indicate that one or more packages may havesignificantly shifted, and may be putting weight on the container door.This may cause a safety issue for logistics personnel who may beunloading the container. As such, the operational safety condition maybe a safety warning related to the changed position of the one or moreitems and may also, for example, indicate that the container should bereopened prior to shipment, that the shipment shown to be shipped,and/or that care and caution is advised when reopening the container(before, during, or after shipment—depending on when the movement may bedetected and when logistics personnel may be able to reopen thecontainer to address the detected movement).

In still another embodiment, the movement (regardless of how detected)may indicate that a person is located within the storage space while thecontainer is in the closed state. This may occur when repeated orfrequent movement is detected while closed; as opposed to a single orless frequent movement that may be more indicative of a shipped itemshifting. For example, during a loading operation, multiple logisticspersonnel may be assigned to load the container but the container mayhave been close before one or more personnel have left the container.The may occur if, for example, some personnel are busy within arelatively large container (e.g., a tractor trailer) in a role ofstacking the items into appropriate positions within the container'sstorage space and different personnel are operating handcarts orforklift type of equipment to transfer items to be shipped within thecontainer. One of the personnel may be unintentionally locked within thecontainer when the container is closed by other personnel involved inthe loading operation.

Thus, if the movement is detected in step 815, method 800 proceeds tostep 820. Otherwise, method 800 remains at step 815 detecting movementwithin the container while in the closed state.

At step 820, method 800 proceeds with the scanning sensor nodetransmitting an alert to a managing node where the alert is associatedwith the operational safety condition within the container. As such, thealert may provide a type of safety warning as explained above and may bepassed to logistics personnel (via a display or via a user access deviceassociated with the logistics personnel) or provided further to aserver.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that method 800 as disclosedand explained above in various embodiments may be implemented with anapparatus, such as exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3A-3E, executing scanning program code 260 and runningsafety condition program code 270. Such code modules may be stored on anon-transitory computer-readable medium such as memory storage 215 onscanning sensor node 120 a. Thus, when executing code 260 and/or 270,the processing unit 210 of scanning sensor node 120 a may be operativeto perform operations or steps from the exemplary methods disclosedabove, including method 800 and variations of that method.

Thus, a further embodiment may focus on a scanning sensor apparatus (asdescribed above with reference to method 800 and variations of thatmethod and exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a described above withreference to FIG. 2). The scanning sensor apparatus in this embodimentis disposed above a storage space within a container that detects anoperational safety condition within the container. In a more detailedexample, such an apparatus may include a housing, a processing unit, amemory, a scanner, and a sensor that detects if the container is in aclosed state. In particular, the housing of the apparatus is configuredto mount within the container and above the storage space within thecontainer. The processing unit is disposed within the housing and may beimplemented, for example, by processing unit 210 of exemplary scanningsensor node 120 a shown in FIG. 2. The memory is disposed within thehousing, and is operatively coupled to the processing unit. The memorymaintaining at least a safety condition program code section forexecution by the processing unit, but may also include scanning programcode (such as code 260). The scanner (such as scanner 220 operating as,for example, a depth sensor with one or more scanning elements) of theapparatus is operatively coupled to the processing unit, wherein thescanner is exposed to the storage space within the container from abovethe storage space, such that the scanner is oriented and configured tomonitor the storage space from above the storage space.

In this embodiment, the sensor is operatively coupled to the processingunit and detects if the container is in a closed state. Such anexemplary sensor, as described above with reference to FIG. 8, may beimplemented with a light sensor (such as light sensor 225 on exemplarynode 120 a shown in FIG. 2), a light sensitive sensor oriented towardsan opening in the container and configured to detect the light asoriginating from outside the container, or a dedicated container openingsensor (e.g., a magnetic switch type of sensor, a plunger type ofmechanical sensor, or a contact sensor that establishes an electricalconnection once the door is closed to indicate a closed state) that maybe used to detect a condition that indicates an open or closed state ofthe container.

The wireless communication interface of the apparatus operativelycouples to the processing unit and allows, for example, the apparatus tocommunicate with other devices, such as external managing node 110,server 100, and/or user access device 140.

In this apparatus embodiment, the processing unit, when executing atleast the safety condition program code section, is operative to receivean indication from the sensor on whether the container is in the closedstate; cause the scanner to monitor the storage space while thecontainer is in the closed state; receive information from the scannerrelated to monitoring of the storage space while the container is in theclosed state; detect a movement within the container based upon thereceived information from the scanner, the movement being indicative ofthe operational safety condition; and provide the wireless communicationinterface with an alert to be transmitted to a managing node (such asexternal managing node 110) where the alert is associated with theoperational safety condition within the container.

In a more detailed embodiment, the sensor may be implemented with alight sensitive sensor oriented towards an opening in the container(such as a door or other access port or opening) and be configured todetect the light as originating from outside the container. In such aconfiguration, the light sensitive sensor may detect light from theopening at less than a threshold level when the container is in theclosed state. In even more detail, the processing unit may be furtheroperative to receive a signal from the light sensitive sensor indicatingan amount of light detected, and the assess the indicated amount oflight detected relative to the threshold level to determine whether thecontainer is in the closed state.

Thus, such an apparatus as described above and with components furtherdescribed above and with reference to FIG. 8, an embodiment of anexemplary scanning sensor apparatus disposed above a storage spacewithin a container may enhance and improve shipment managementtechnology in how it may detect an operational safety condition withinthe container.

Transforming Dimensional Data with a Scanning Sensor Node

In a further set of embodiments, an exemplary scanning sensor node maybe deployed as a type of check/balance against a shipped item'sdimension data that may previously exist prior to loading into acontainer. For example, an item to be shipped in a container may havematerial dimension data available from a prior logistics operation, suchas when the item may have been scanned and sorted in a shippingdistribution facility. If available, the material dimension data for theitem being shipped may act as a baseline of information on the item, andgenerally may be transformed based upon a further scanning operationconducted by the exemplary scanning sensor node to better reflect thedimensions of the item as shipped. Thus, a successful further scanningoperation may allow the scanning sensor node to adjust and refine whatmay exist as far as dimensional information related to the item andtransform that representation into data that more accurately reflectsthe item.

This may be useful, for example, where the pre-existing availablematerial dimension data reflects a group of items packaged together.But, further processing of the packaged items may cause the packageditems to change shape, become damaged, or perhaps lose one of the itemsfrom the packaged group (e.g., an item that was originally packaged ontop of a pallet with other items, but during processing fell off). Insuch an example scenario, an embodiment may deploy an exemplary scanningsensor node as a check on expected dimensions or a confirmation ofdimensional information in order to detect early shipping issues whenloading the container, as opposed to when the container may be unloadedand the issue may not be caught until much later when rectifying theissue becomes more costly or complicated. Thus, further embodiments mayallow for transforming dimensional data to reflect and represent themost current state of the item, to more quickly recognize a potentiallogistics issue related to the shipping item, and allow for an improvedprocess of rectifying the logistics issue (e.g., obtaining a replacementitem if the item is damaged, notifying a shipping customer if the itemis damages or not all of the items are present within a packaged groupof items, and the like).

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method fordynamically transforming dimensional data representing a shipping itembeing loaded within a container using an exemplary scanning sensor nodein accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In more detail,method 900 deploys an exemplary scanning sensor node (such as node 120 ashown and explained in more detail in FIG. 2) having at least a memory,a depth sensor, and a communications interface to an external managingnode.

Referring now to FIG. 9, method 900 begins at step 905 with the scanningsensor node accessing available material dimension data in the memorywithin the scanning sensor node. The material dimension data, ifavailable, is related to the shipping item. For example, the availablematerial dimension data may be information (such as default dimensiondata associated with packaging used for the item, or standard physicaldimension data for the item itself (or a group of items packagedtogether) and may be maintained by server 100 and/or external managingnode 110, and further provided to scanning sensor node to be kept in itsmemory. Further still, an example of material dimension data may begenerated by other shipment processing systems (such as laser scanningdimensioning type of systems used in a shipment facility whileprocessing an item being shipped).

In a further embodiment, the scanning sensor node may first identify theshipping item as the shipping item is being loaded within the container.For example, the scanning sensor node may employ an identificationscanner (e.g., a barcode reader, a signal reader, or interactive radiodevice as previously discussed with respect to FIGS. 2 and 6) to helpidentify the shipping item.

At step 910, method 900 continues with the depth sensor on the scanningsensor node scanning the space within the container to generate scandata related to the shipping item once the shipping item is placedwithin the container. As part of such scanning, the scanning sensor nodeis mounted within the container and above the space within thecontainer. In this way, the depth sensor (such as scanner 220 on node120 a and which may have one or more depth sensing elements) may bedeployed and oriented to scan the space within the container from abovethe space and within the container.

At step 915, method 900 continues with the scanning sensor nodecomparing the generated scan data from step 910 to the availablematerial dimension data. Thus, if the comparison shows a significantdifference in step 920, method 900 proceeds to step 925 where theavailable material dimension data for the item may be transformed.Otherwise, method 900 terminates. As noted above, the comparison of step920 may yield a difference that may indicate a missing part of the itembeing shipped, damage to the item, and the like.

In a more detailed embodiment, the comparison of step 920 may beaccomplished with the scanning sensor node comparing (a) an average of aplurality of scan data for the shipping item generated over a period oftime and (b) the available material dimension data so that dynamicallytransforming the available material dimension data (as explained belowregarding step 925) involves adjusting the current dimensional datarepresenting the shipping item based upon results of comparing (a) and(b).

At step 925, method 900 continues with the scanning sensor nodedynamically transforming the available material dimension data into thecurrent dimensional data representing the shipping item based upon thecomparison of the generated scan data to the available materialdimension data performed in step 920. In a further embodiment, suchtransforming of data may be accomplished by storing the generated scandata as the current dimensional data representing the shipping item ifthe material dimension data for the shipping item is unavailable orinaccessible. In still another embodiment, such transforming may beaccomplished by the scanning sensor node updating the currentdimensional data representing the shipping item to reflect thedifference between the averaged scan data over the period of time andthe available material dimension data. Thus, the transformed currentdimensional data more accurately represents the item being shipped andcharacteristics about the item, and may be used to determine whether theitem has changes, has a missing part or parts, or is damaged prior toclosing the container and shipping the contents of the container to itsintended destination.

At step 930, method 900 may also continue in a further embodiment wherethe scanning sensor node sends a message to the external managing nodeto transmit the transformed current dimensional data representing theshipping item. As such, the external managing node may detect a shippingissue based on the transmitted transformed data, and direct one or morefurther messages to other devices (e.g., to server 100, to a user accessdevice 140, or back to scanning sensor node 120 a) to address thedetected shipping issue.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that method 900 as disclosedand explained above in various embodiments may be implemented with anapparatus, such as exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3A-3E, running scanning program code 260. Such scanningsensor apparatus disposed within a container may dynamically transformsdimensional data representing a shipping item being loaded within thecontainer as described above. Such code may be stored on anon-transitory computer-readable medium such as memory storage 215 onscanning sensor node 120 a. Thus, when executing code 260, theprocessing unit 210 of scanning sensor node 120 a may be operative toperform operations or steps from the exemplary methods disclosed above,including method 900 and variations of that method.

Furthermore, another embodiment may include a system that leverages sucha scanning sensor apparatus as programmed and operating as describedwith respect to method 900 and variations of that method. In moredetail, such an exemplary system for quantifying space within acontainer may comprise a scanning sensor apparatus and an externalmanaging node. The scanning sensor apparatus in this embodiment includesat least a housing, a processing unit, a memory, a depth sensor, and awireless communication interface. The housing is configured to bemounted to an interior roof surface within the container. The processingunit is disposed within the housing along with the memory, which isoperatively coupled to the processing unit and maintains at leastexemplary scanning program code section for execution by the processingunit and available material dimension data related to a shipping item.The depth sensor is also operatively coupled to the processing unit anddisposed below the interior roof surface and oriented to advantageouslyscan the space within the container below the interior roof surface. Thewireless communication interface is disposed within the housing andoperatively coupled to the processing unit.

The external managing node is disposed outside the container and inoperative wireless communication with the scanning sensor apparatus viathe wireless communication interface of the scanning sensor apparatus.Incoming information may be transmitted to the scanning sensor apparatusfrom the external managing node (such as the available materialdimension data), as well as outgoing information may be transmitted fromthe scanning sensor apparatus to the external managing node (such as anynewly transformed dimension data related to an item loaded into thecontainer). External managing node may also communication with otherdevices, such as a user access device (e.g., smartphone, laptop, tablet,desktop, or other computing device allowing for logistics personnelinteraction) and/or a server.

In the exemplary system, the processing unit of the scanning sensorapparatus, when executing the scanning program code section, isoperative to access the available material dimension data in the memoryrelated to the shipping item; cause the depth sensor to scan the spacewithin the container below the interior roof surface once the shippingitem is loaded in the space within the container; receive, from thedepth sensor, scan data generated during the scan; compare the scan datato the available material dimension data; dynamically transform theavailable material dimension data into the current dimensional datarepresenting the shipping item based upon the comparison of thegenerated scan data to the available material dimension data; and thencause the wireless communication interface to transmit a dimensionaldata update message to the external managing node. Such a dimensionaldata update message reflects the current dimensional data representingthe shipping item.

Furthermore, the external managing node in the system is operative to atleast receive the dimensional data update message from the wirelesscommunication interface of the scanning sensor apparatus, and store thetransformed current dimensional data as communicated in the dimensionaldata update message. In a further embodiment, the external managing nodein the system may also include a server (e.g., server 100 as shown inFIG. 1) in direct communication with the external managing node butincapable of direct communication with the scanning sensor node. Theexternal managing node may then transmit a dimensional update message tothe server, where the dimensional update message informs the server atleast about the dynamic transform operation.

In yet another embodiment, the external the external managing node maydetect a logistics issue based upon the dimensional update message andmay transmit an alert to the server, where the alert identifies thelogistics issue associated with the item being shipped as reflected inthe dimensional update message. Such a logistics issue may include adefect with the item being shipped. For example, the defect may relateto the transformed dimensional information indicating part, or all, ofthe item may be damaged. In another example, the defect may relate to amissing part of the item (e.g., a missing item from a multi-itempackaged shipment on a pallet or an item that has multiple parts thatmay be separately packaged but shipped together).

In response, the server may respond to the alert by generating alogistics rectifying message that facilitates addressing the logisticsissue prior to shipment of the container. Such a logistics rectifyingmessage may notify the external managing node or, for example, may causethe external managing node to receive the message and forward themessage to the scanning sensor node or a user access device incommunication with the external managing node and being operated bylogistics personnel involved in loading the container. In this way, thesystem may allow for transforming dimensional data representing ashipping item to become more quickly known within such a shipmentmanaging system, and allow for an improved process of rectifying thelogistics issue (e.g., obtaining a replacement item if the item isdamaged, notifying a shipping customer or supplier if the item isdamaged or not all of the items are present within a packaged group ofitems, and the like).

Transforming Scan Data with a Scanning Sensor Node

In a further set of embodiments, an exemplary scanning sensor node maybe deployed to enhanced and improve determining the loaded volume of acontainer, even when an item may be loaded into a location within thecontainer's storage space that is at least partially not visible to thescanning sensor node. The manner in which items are loaded within thestorage space of an exemplary container may inadvertently create one ormore locations that may be invisible to a depth sensor on the scanningsensor node. As such, when an item is loaded into the container in sucha location, the scan data generated by an exemplary scanning sensor nodemay not change at all or may only change a relatively small bit becausethe depth sensor is unable to view all or part of the item. This “hidingin the shadows” issue may lead to a less than accurate determination ofthe loaded state of the container.

To address this type of issue, an embodiment may monitor a loadingoperation with knowledge of information about the particular item beingloaded, such as material dimension data related to the item, in additionto scan data generated as the item is loaded. Armed with such additionalinformation, the logistics operation of loading the container may befurther enhanced and improved as the scanning sensor node relies on morethan one source of data when determining the state of the container'sstorage space (i.e., the loaded volume of the container or remainingvolume within the container's storage space for additional items).

As with the example described above, material dimension data may beavailable from a prior logistics operation, such as when the item mayhave been scanned and sorted in a shipping distribution facility. Inanother embodiment, material dimension data may be available as defaulttype of dimension information related to the item, such as the size ofpackaging used with the item or the standard measurements of the itemitself. Such material dimension data may be preloaded on the scanningsensor node or may be dynamically obtained from a device outside thescanning sensor node (such as external managing node 110) as items areloaded.

With such information about the item being loaded into the container, anexemplary scanning sensor node may be able to refine or transforminformation representing the state of the container's storage space tomore accurately account for the actual items loaded into the storagespace.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A, and 11B are exemplary diagrams showing variousconfigurations of mounting an exemplary scanning sensor node where anitem loaded into the storage space is at least partially not visible tothe depth sensor on the node. In particular, FIGS. 10A and 10B arediagrams illustrating an exemplary system and various exemplaryoperations involving an exemplary scanning sensor node apparatusdeployed within a container as an item is loaded within a location thatis at least partially not visible to the scanning sensor node apparatusin accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Referringnow to FIG. 10A, container 115 a is shown having scanning sensor node120 a mounted above storage space 315 to an interior surface ofcontainer 115 a. In this example, scanning sensor node 120 a is shown ashaving been attached to ceiling 315 in a configuration that has node 120a generally over the storage space 315. As will be shown in FIGS. 11Aand 11B, another embodiment may have scanning sensor node 120 a mountedmore to one side of the storage space 315 while still being above thestorage space 315. Further still, other embodiments may deploy and mountscanning sensor node 120 a on other structure (e.g., beams) or on upperparts of interior wall surfaces and still be considered as being mountedabove the storage space given that the node 120 a may peer downward(albeit with an angle) towards the storage space.

As depicted in FIG. 10A, storage space 315 has been previously loadedwith items 130 a-130 h. However, in the depicted configuration of items130 a-130 h, a location 1000 may exist within storage space 315 that maynot be visible to depth sensing elements (such as scanner 220) of thedeployed scanning sensor node 120 a. Those skilled in the art willappreciate such a location may be minimized by using multiple depthsensing elements to implement scanner 220, and if such multiple depthsensing elements are physically disposed at different points above space315. Location 1000, which may be considered a shadow or void from ascanning perspective, may be filled with one or more items (such as item130 i) as the container 115 a is further loaded. For example, as shownin FIG. 10B, item 130 i is loaded into location 1000 so that at leastpart of item 130 i is not visible to the scanning sensor node's scannerelements. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 10B, a firstportion 1005 of item 130 i may be visible to depth sensing scanner 220of scanning sensor node 120 a while a second portion 1010 of item 130 imay not be visible as it now occupies location 1000. As will beexplained in more detail below, exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a mayidentify item 130 i as it is being loaded into space 315 and determineif the item 130 i is at least partially not visible based on generatedscan data and material dimension data related to the item 130 i. Here,such generated scan data may only indicate an incremental increase to apreviously determined loaded volume of the container (i.e., the volumebefore item 130 i was loaded) and the incremental increase is less thana threshold amount. Such a threshold amount may be a particular volume,or may depend upon an expected volume for item 130 i (related to thedimensions of item 130 i). Thus, scanning sensor node 120 a maydynamically transforming the generated scan data after item 130 i isloaded into space 315 because the item 130 i is at least partially notvisible to the depth sensor scanning elements 220 of scanning sensornode 120 a. The transformed scan data may be refined based at least uponmaterial dimension data associated with the item 130 i so that thetransformed scan data (also referred to as refined scan data) moreaccurately accounts for the volume of item 130 i loaded into space 130even if not visible or just partially visible to the depth sensorscanning elements 220 of scanning sensor node 120 a.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating another exemplary embodimentwhere an item is loaded within a container location that is at leastpartially not visible to an exemplary scanning sensor node apparatus inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Referring nowto FIG. 11A, the scanning sensor node 120 a is mounted and configuredwithin container 115 a more to one side of the storage space 315 whilestill being above the storage space 315. As shown, scanning sensor node120 a remains above storage space 315. However, as some of the items areplaced within storage space 315, the loaded items may shield a portion1100 of the storage space 315 from view and exposure to scanningelements of the scanning sensor node 120. For example, a wall of itemsmay be created within the storage space 315. This may occur duringloading of the container 115 a to, for example, accommodate items thatare stackable (such as those making up the created wall of stackeditems) and for other items to be loaded that are not easily stackable(such as bags that may not retain their shape, irregularly shaped items,and the like). As such, the wall of items may create portion 1100 aspart of storage space 315 that is no longer visible to depth sensingscanner elements of scanning sensor node 120 a. Thus, when item 130 i isloaded into portion 1100, the item may be entirely invisible to depthsensor or, as shown in FIG. 11B, item 130 i is partially not visible tothe depth sensor on scanning sensor node 120 a. As such, one part 1105of item 130 i may be visible to depth sensing scanner 220 of scanningsensor node 120 a while a second part 1110 of item 130 i may not bevisible as it now occupies portion 1100. And similar to the exampleshown in FIG. 10B, the exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a of FIG. 11Bmay dynamically transforming the generated scan data after item 130 i isloaded into space 315 because the item 130 i is at least partially notvisible to the depth sensor scanning elements 220 of scanning sensornode 120 a. And similarly, the transformed scan data may be refinedbased at least upon material dimension data associated with the item 130i so that the transformed scan data (also referred to as refined scandata) more accurately accounts for the volume of item 130 i loaded intospace 130 even if not visible or just partially visible to the depthsensor scanning elements 220 of scanning sensor node 120 a.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method fordynamically transforming scan data representing a loaded volume of acontainer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In moredetail, this exemplary method may be implemented with an exemplaryscanning sensor node (such as node 120 a) having at least a memory, adepth sensor, an identification scanner, and a communications interfaceto an external managing node.

Referring now to FIG. 12, method 1200 begins at step 1205 with thescanning sensor node using the identification sensor to identify an itembeing loaded into a storage space within the container. For example,scanning sensor node 120 a shown in FIG. 10A may use scanner 220 toconduct an identification scan to identify item 130 i as the item isbeing loaded into storage space 315 of container 115 a.

In a further embodiment, step 1205 may identify the item loaded byhaving the identification scanner receive a signal representingidentification information associated with the item, and thenidentifying the item based upon the identification information receivedby the identification scanner. For example, the signal may be areflected signal applied to a barcode label on the item where thereflected signal includes barcode information that identifies the item.In another example, the signal may be a signal broadcast by a wirelessidentification element, such as an RFID tag, an NFC device, anotherBluetooth® device, a ZigBee device, or another wireless network datacommunications device operating under a similar communications format asthe scanning element. As such, an embodiment of the identificationscanner may identify the item by receiving a signal broadcast from adevice (such as the above described wireless identification element)associated with the item to be shipped, where the signal includes datasufficient to identify the item to be shipped (e.g., header informationin the broadcast signal that identifies the item associated with thewireless identification element, and the like).

After step 1205, method 1200 proceeds to step 1210 where the scanningsensor node accesses material dimension data related to the identifieditem. For example, the material dimension data may be maintained as atype of container data 275 within memory 215 on scanning sensor node 120a. For example, the material dimension data may be information (such asdefault or standard dimension data associated with the item or packagingused for the item or a group of items packaged together) and may bemaintained by server 100 and/or external managing node 110, and furtherprovided to scanning sensor node to be kept in its memory. Furtherstill, an example of material dimension data may be generated by aprevious logistics scan performed by other shipment processing systems(such as laser scanning dimensioning type of systems used in a shipmentfacility while processing an item being shipped).

In still another embodiment, the material dimension data may beinformation received from the external managing node. In more detail, anembodiment of method 1200 may have the communications interface of thescanning sensor node transmitting a request to the external managingnode, where the request identifies the item and asks for the externalmanaging node to reply with the material dimension data for theidentified item (which may originate with a server in communication withthe external managing node). The communication interface may thenreceive the material dimension data from the external managing node, andthe scanning sensor node then may store the material dimension data forthe identified item into the memory of the scanning sensor node so thatthe material dimension data may be accessible for use by the node duringoperations.

At step 1215, method 1200 proceeds with the depth sensor on the scanningsensor node scanning the storage space within the container to generatethe scan data after identifying the item. In order to accomplish suchscanning, the scanning sensor node is mounted within the container andabove the space within the container in a configuration that orients thedepth sensor towards the storage space from above the storage space. Asnoted above, the depth sensor may be implemented with one or moreelements that are collectively used to conduct a scan or mapping of thestorage space from above the space.

At step 1220, method 1200 determines if the item loaded into the storagespace is at least partially not visible to the depth sensor based uponthe generated scan data. For example, the generated scan data may notshow any increase in the loaded volume after the item has been loadedindicating the item loaded is not visible to the depth sensor. Or thegenerated scan data may indicate, as shown in FIGS. 10B and 11B, that aportion of the loaded item is not visible.

In a more detailed embodiment, the determination in step 1220 mayinclude comparing (a) the scan data generated after the item is loadedinto the storage space to (b) prior scan data representing a previouslyloaded volume of the container before the item is loaded into thestorage space. As such, the comparison indicates what, if any,incremental volume has been detected as occupied within the storagespace as a result of loading the item. Accordingly, step 1220 maydetermine the item is at least partially not visible to the depth sensorwhen the difference between (a) and (b) represents an incrementalincrease to a previously determined loaded volume of the container andthe incremental increase is less than a threshold amount, such asthreshold amount that depends on parameter for an expected volume of theitem loaded. Such an expected volume parameter of the item may be, forexample, related to the material dimension data associated with theitem. Thus, an example may have step 1220 determining the loaded item130 i being at least partially not visible because a comparison of thecurrent scan data to a previously loaded volume of the container mayindicate an incremental increase in volume that is smaller than a setamount or smaller than a set percentage of the volume of item 130 i perthe material dimension data for item 130 i.

Thus, if the item loaded into the storage space is at least partiallynot visible to the depth sensor based upon the generated scan data, step1220 of method 1200 proceeds to step 1225 because the generated scandata will not accurately reflect the current loaded volume of thecontainer. However, if not, then the generated scan data indicates theitem loaded is sufficient visible to the depth sensor and the generatedscan data may be reasonably relied upon to indicate the loading statusof the storage space within the container and step 1220 may proceed tostep 1230.

At step 1225, method 1200 proceeds with the scanning sensor nodedynamically transforming the scan data into refined scan data becausethe item is at least partially not visible to the depth sensor. Thetransformation of the scan data into the refined scan data is based atleast upon material dimension data associated with the item. In moredetail, the generated scan data may only indicate a small incrementalincrease in volume when the expected volume of the item was actuallyadded. Thus, the scan data is refined to more accurately indicate thecurrent fullness of the container being loaded.

Method 1200 may, in some embodiments, continue to step 1230 where thescanning sensor node's communication interface may transmit a volumeupdate message to the external managing node. The volume update messagemay include the refined scan data representing the current loaded volumeof the container. In a further embodiment, the external managing nodemay then inform a server, such as server 100, about the updated andcurrent volume of the container being loaded so that the server mayperform as a backend manager and may be advantageously kept abreast ofthe loading operation.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that method 1200 as disclosedand explained above in various embodiments may be implemented with anapparatus, such as exemplary scanning sensor node 120 a illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, 3A-3E, 10A, 10B, 11A, and 11B, running an embodiment ofscanning program code 260. Such a scanning sensor apparatus disposedwithin a container may dynamically transform scan data into refined scandata that more accurately represents a loaded volume of a container asdescribed above. Such code may be stored on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium such as memory storage 215 on scanning sensornode 120 a. Thus, when executing code 260, the processing unit 210 ofscanning sensor node 120 a may be operative to perform operations orsteps from the exemplary methods disclosed above, including method 1200and variations of that method.

Furthermore, another embodiment may include a system that leverages sucha scanning sensor apparatus as programmed and operating as describedabove with respect to method 1200 and variations of that method. Such asystem level embodiment that dynamically transforms scan datarepresenting a loaded volume of a container as the container is loadedcomprises a scanning sensor apparatus (such as exemplary scanning sensornode 120 a) and an external managing node (such as exemplary externalmanaging node 110). The scanning sensor apparatus is disposed within thecontainer, and further comprises a housing (such as housing 200), aprocessing unit (such as processing unit 210), a memory (such as memory215), a depth sensor (such as scanner 220), an identification scanner(e.g., an additional sensor 230 implemented as a barcode scanner, anRFID reader, an NFC interface, a Bluetooth® radio, or other wirelessnetwork data communications device, and the like that may operate toread or receive identification information related to an identificationelement), and a wireless communication interface (such as long rangewireless communication interface 240 and/or short/close range wirelesscommunication interface 245).

In more detail, the housing of the system's scanning sensor apparatus isconfigured to mount to an interior surface within the container in aposition above a storage space within the container. For example, theinterior surface may be a wall, a ceiling, or the surface of structureheld or suspended within the container and above the storage space. Atleast the processing unit and memory of the system's scanning sensorapparatus are disposed within the housing. The memory is operativelycoupled to the processing unit and maintains at least a scanning programcode section (such as an embodiment of scanning program code 260 asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 12) for execution by the processingunit. The memory also maintains material dimension data (as describedabove with FIG. 12) related to an item being loaded into the storagespace. The depth sensor may have one or more scanning elements and isoperatively coupled to the processing unit. The depth sensor is disposedand oriented towards the storage space within the container and fromabove the storage space. The identification scanner is also operativelycoupled to the processing unit is operative to conduct an identificationscan as part of identifying the item being loaded. The wirelesscommunication interface is disposed within the housing and is alsooperatively coupled to the processing unit.

The external managing node in the system is disposed outside thecontainer, but other embodiments may have the external managing nodebeing a mobile type of node capable of being inside or outside thecontainer at different times. The system's external managing node is inoperative communication with the scanning sensor apparatus via thewireless communication interface.

The processing unit of the system's scanning sensor apparatus, whenexecuting the scanning program code section, is modified to operate as aspecially adapted and configured computing-based apparatus that performsunconventional steps to dynamically transform scan data representing aloaded volume of a container as the container is loaded. In more detail,the processing unit, when executing the scanning program code section,is operative to cause or otherwise instruct the identification scannerto conduct an identification scan and gather information that identifiesthe item being loaded into the storage space within the container; causethe depth sensor to scan or map the storage space within the containerfrom above the storage space and generate the scan data representing theloaded volume of the container; store the generated scan data in thememory; determine if the item loaded into the storage space is at leastpartially not visible to the depth sensor based upon the generated scandata; dynamically transform the scan data into refined scan data if theprocessing unit determines the item is at least partially not visible tothe depth sensor, where the scan data is transformed into the refinedscan data based at least upon the material dimension data associatedwith the item; and cause the wireless communication interface totransmit a volume update message to the external managing node. Such avolume update message reflects the current loaded volume of thecontainer as indicated by the refined scan data.

The system's external managing node receives the volume update messagefrom the wireless communication interface of the scanning sensorapparatus and stores the refined scan data. In a further embodiment, thesystem may also include a server in direct communication with theexternal managing node but incapable of direct communication with thesystem's scanning sensor apparatus. The external managing node may alsobe operative to transmit a container status update message to theserver, where the container status update message informs the server atleast about the current loaded volume of the container as reflected bythe refined scan data.

The system's external managing node may also operate, as part of thesystem, to provide the material dimension data to the scanning sensorapparatus through the wireless communication interface. As such, theprocessing unit of the scanning sensor apparatus may then store thereceived material dimension data in the memory of the scanning sensorapparatus for use during system operations of the apparatus. Forexample, this may be part of a pre-loading operation where the scanningsensor apparatus is provided material dimension data as a proactivemeasure prior to the onset of loading operations.

However, in yet another embodiment, the provision of material dimensiondata may occur more dynamically during loading operations. For example,once an item being loaded has been identified by the identificationscanner on the scanning sensor apparatus, the wireless communicationinterface of the scanning sensor apparatus may transmit a request to theexternal managing node for the material dimension data associated withthe identified item. The system's external managing node may receive therequest and transmit a response to the scanning sensor apparatus, wherethe response includes the requested material dimension data. This, forexample, may be done incrementally and dynamically as each of the itemsto be shipped within the container is loaded into the container.

FURTHER PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

What follows below is a listing of exemplary sets of particularembodiments focusing on one or more aspects of the different embodimentsdescribed above. Each of the different sets of particular embodimentsrespectively effect improvements to logistics-related technology thatemploys an exemplary scanning sensor node as part of enhanced loadingoperations that are electronically monitored and managed viasensor-based operations. As such, within each further embodiment headingare numbered aspects describing a specific technological application ofone or more scanning sensor nodes that improve or otherwise enhancethese technical fields, as explained and supported by the disclosureabove. Each numbered aspect appearing below the different headings maymake reference to other numbered aspects that appear below thatparticular heading.

Further Embodiment 1—Improved Method, Computer-Readable Media, andApparatus for Efficiently Quantifying Space within a Container

1. An improved method for efficiently quantifying space within acontainer using a scanning sensor node disposed within the container andexposed to scan the space within the container from above the space, themethod comprising: detecting an initiating condition from within thecontainer using an activation sensor on the scanning sensor node, theinitiating condition reflecting at least an anticipated change withinthe container; in response to detecting the initiating condition usingthe activation sensor, capturing a snapshot scan of the space within thecontainer from above the space and within the container using thescanning sensor node; and storing the snapshot scan within a memory ofthe scanning sensor node.

2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein step of capturing the snapshotscan further comprises capturing the snapshot scan using a depth sensoron the scanning sensor node, wherein the snapshot scan of the spaceindicates an approximate available volume left to be filled within astorage portion of the container.

3. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the anticipated change within thecontainer further comprises at least one from the group consisting of anopening of the container, a movement of contents maintained within thecontainer, ceased movement within the container, a loading operationrelated to the container, an unloading operation related to thecontainer, and a closing of the container.

4. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the step of detecting theinitiating condition from within the container using the activationsensor further comprises detecting movement within the container using amotion sensor as the activation sensor.

5. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the step of detecting theinitiating condition from within the container using the activationsensor further comprises detecting an environmental change related tothe container as the initiating condition using at least oneenvironmental sensor as the activation sensor.

6. The method of embodiment 5, wherein detecting the environmentalchange further comprises detecting a threshold level of at least onefrom the group comprising light within the container, temperature withinthe container, humidity within the container, concussive force relatedto the container, atmospheric chemical composition change within thecontainer, auditory level change related to the container, barometricpressure within the container, and smoke particle concentration withinthe container.

7. The method of embodiment 1 further comprising periodically capturing,using the scanning sensor node, one or more additional snapshot scans ofthe space within the container from above the space and within thecontainer.

8. The method of embodiment 7, wherein the step of periodicallycapturing further comprises periodically capturing, using the scanningsensor node, the one or more additional snapshot scans until thescanning sensor node detects a terminating condition from within thecontainer using the activation sensor.

9. The method of embodiment 8, wherein the terminating conditioncomprises a lack of movement detected within the container over adefined monitoring period.

10. The method of embodiment 8 further comprising the steps of:detecting a second initiating condition from within the container usingthe activation sensor on the scanning sensor node, the second initiatingcondition reflecting at least a further anticipated change within thecontainer after detecting the terminating condition; and periodicallycapturing, using the scanning sensor node, further additional snapshotscans of the space within the container until the scanning sensor nodedetects a second terminating condition from within the container usingthe activation sensor.

11. The method of embodiment 1 further comprising generating, by thescanning sensor node, a notification when the snapshot scan reflects adesired load status of the container.

12. The method of embodiment 8 further comprising generating, by thescanning sensor node, a notification when a current of the one or moreadditional snapshot scans reflects a desired load status of thecontainer.

13. The method of embodiment 10 further comprising generating, by thescanning sensor node, a notification when a current of the furtheradditional snapshot scans reflects a desired load status of thecontainer.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructionswhich when executed on a processor of a scanning sensor node performs animproved method for efficiently quantifying space within a containerusing the scanning sensor node disposed within the container and exposedto scan the space within the container from above the space, the methodcomprising: detecting an initiating condition from within the containerusing an activation sensor on the scanning sensor node, the initiatingcondition reflecting at least an anticipated change within thecontainer; in response to detecting the initiating condition using theactivation sensor, capturing a snapshot scan of the space within thecontainer from above the space and within the container using thescanning sensor node; and storing the snapshot scan within a memory ofthe scanning sensor node.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 14,wherein step of capturing the snapshot scan further comprises capturingthe snapshot scan using a depth sensor on the scanning sensor node,wherein the snapshot scan of the space indicates an approximateavailable volume left to be filled within a storage portion of thecontainer.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 14,wherein the anticipated change within the container further comprises atleast one from the group consisting of an opening of the container, amovement of contents maintained within the container, ceased movementwithin the container, a loading operation related to the container, anunloading operation related to the container, and a closing of thecontainer.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 14,wherein the step of detecting the initiating condition from within thecontainer using the activation sensor further comprises detectingmovement within the container using a motion sensor as the activationsensor.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 14,wherein the step of detecting the initiating condition from within thecontainer using the activation sensor further comprises detecting anenvironmental change within the container as the initiating conditionusing at least one environmental sensor as the activation sensor.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 18,wherein detecting the environmental change further comprises detecting athreshold level of at least one from the group comprising light withinthe container, temperature within the container, humidity within thecontainer, concussive force related to the container, atmosphericchemical composition change within the container, auditory level changerelated to the container, barometric pressure within the container, andsmoke particle concentration within the container.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 14,further comprising periodically capturing, using the scanning sensornode, one or more additional snapshot scans of the space within thecontainer from above the space and within the container.

21. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 20,wherein the step of periodically capturing further comprisesperiodically capturing, using the scanning sensor node, the one or moreadditional snapshot scans until the scanning sensor node detects aterminating condition from within the container using the activationsensor.

22. The method of embodiment 21, wherein the terminating conditioncomprises a detected lack of movement within the container over adefined monitoring period.

23. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 21 furthercomprising the steps of: detecting a second initiating condition fromwithin the container using the activation sensor on the scanning sensornode, the second initiating condition reflecting at least a furtheranticipated change within the container after detecting the terminatingcondition; periodically capturing, using the scanning sensor node,further additional snapshot scans of the space within the containeruntil the scanning sensor node detects a second terminating conditionfrom within the container using the activation sensor.

24. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 14 furthercomprising generating, by the scanning sensor node, a notification whenthe snapshot scan reflects a desired load status of the container.

25. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 21 furthercomprising generating, by the scanning sensor node, a notification whena current of the one or more additional snapshot scans reflects adesired load status of the container.

26. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 23 furthercomprising generating, by the scanning sensor node, a notification whena current of the further additional snapshot scans reflects a desiredload status of the container.

27. A scanning sensor apparatus disposed within a container toefficiently quantify space within the container, the apparatuscomprising: a housing configured to mount within the container above thespace within the container; a processing unit disposed within thehousing; a memory disposed within the housing, the memory beingoperatively coupled to the processing unit and maintaining at least ascanning program code section for execution by the processing unit; adepth sensor operatively coupled to the processing unit, wherein thedepth sensor is exposed to the space within the container from above thespace, wherein the depth sensor operates to capture a snapshot scanrelative to the space within the container from above the space; anactivation sensor operatively coupled to the processing unit, whereinthe activation sensor monitors an environmental condition of the spacewithin the container; and wherein the processing unit, when executingthe scanning program code section, is operative to receive an initiatingcondition signal from the activation sensor, wherein the initiatingcondition signal reflects at least an anticipated change to themonitored environmental condition of the space within the container, inresponse to receiving the initiating condition signal, causing the depthsensor to capture the snapshot scan of the space within the containerfrom above the space and within the container; and access the memory tostore the captured snapshot scan data within the memory.

28. The scanning sensor apparatus of embodiment 27, wherein the housingis further configured to removably detach from the container after beingmounted within the container.

29. The scanning sensor apparatus of embodiment 27, wherein the snapshotscan data indicates an approximate available volume left to be filled ofthe space within a storage portion of the container captured by thedepth sensor.

30. The scanning sensor apparatus of embodiment 27, wherein theanticipated change within the container further comprises at least onefrom the group consisting of an opening of the container, a movement ofcontents maintained within the container, ceased movement within thecontainer, a loading operation related to the container, an unloadingoperation related to the container, and a closing of the container.

31. The scanning sensor apparatus of embodiment 27, wherein theactivation sensor comprises at least one from the group comprising amotion sensor that detects movement within the container as theenvironmental condition, a light sensor that detects a threshold levelof light within the container as the environmental condition, atemperature sensor that detects a threshold level of temperature withinthe container as the environmental condition, a humidity sensor thatdetects a threshold level of humidity within the container as theenvironmental condition, a kinetic force sensor that detects aconcussive force related to the container as the environmentalcondition, a chemical sensor that detects an atmospheric chemicalcomposition change within the container as the environmental change, amicrophone that detects an auditory level change related to thecontainer as the environmental change, a pressure sensor that detects abarometric pressure within the container as the environmental change,and a smoke sensor that detects a smoke particle concentration withinthe container as the environmental change.

32. The scanning sensor apparatus of embodiment 27, wherein theprocessing unit is further operative to cause the depth sensor toperiodically capture one or more additional snapshot scans of the spacewithin the container from above the space and within the container.

33. The scanning sensor apparatus of embodiment 32, wherein theprocessing unit is further operative to cause the depth sensor toperiodically capture the one or more additional snapshot scans untilreceiving a terminating condition signal from the activation sensor.

34. The scanning sensor apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein theprocessing unit is further operative to access the memory to store inthe memory at least a most recent of the one or more additional snapshotscans.

35. The scanning sensor apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein theprocessing unit is further operative to: receive a second initiatingcondition from the activation sensor after receiving the terminatingcondition signal from the activation sensor, the second initiatingcondition reflecting at least a further anticipated change to themonitored environmental condition of the space within the container; inresponse to receiving the second initiating condition signal, cause thedepth sensor to periodically capture further additional snapshot scansof the space within the container; cause the depth sensor to ceasecapturing the further additional snapshot scans of the space within thecontainer upon receiving a second terminating condition signal from theactivation sensor; and access the memory to store in the memory at leasta most recent of the one or more additional snapshot scans.

36. The scanning sensor apparatus of embodiment 27 further comprising awireless communication interface disposed within the housing andoperatively coupled to the processing unit; and wherein the processingunit is further operative to generate a notification message when thesnapshot scan reflects a desired load status of the container and causethe wireless communication interface to transmit the notificationmessage.

37. The scanning sensor apparatus of embodiment 36, wherein the wirelesscommunication interface is operative to transmit the notificationmessage to at least one of a server system or an operator node device.

38. The scanning sensor apparatus of embodiment 37, wherein the operatornode device comprises one from a group consisting of a smartphone, atablet computing device, a laptop computer, and a terminal computingdevice.

39. The scanning sensor apparatus of embodiment 32 further comprising awireless communication interface disposed within the housing andoperatively coupled to the processing unit; and wherein the processingunit is further operative to generate a notification message when acurrent of the one or more additional snapshot scans reflects a desiredload status of the container.

40. The scanning sensor apparatus of embodiment 35 further comprising awireless communication interface disposed within the housing andoperatively coupled to the processing unit; and wherein the processingunit is further operative to generate a notification message when acurrent of the further additional snapshot scans reflects a desired loadstatus of the container, and cause the wireless communication interfaceto transmit the notification message.

Further Embodiment 2—Methods, Computer-Readable Media, Apparatus, andSystem for Managing Load Operations

1. An improved method for managing a load operation related to acontainer using a removable scanning sensor node, the method comprising:identifying, by the removable scanning sensor node, an item to beshipped within the container; mapping, by the removable scanning sensornode, the space within the container after the item has been placedwithin the container, wherein the removable scanning sensor node beingtemporarily disposed within the container and oriented to map the spacewithin the container from above the space; determining, by the removablescanning sensor node, an occupied capacity within the container basedupon mapping data associated with the mapped space; and transmitting, bythe removable scanning sensor node, a notification to a managing node incommunication with the removable scanning sensor node, wherein thenotification is related to the occupied capacity within the container.

2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the step of identifying the itemfurther comprises identifying, by the removable scanning sensor node,the item when the item is loaded and placed within the container.

3. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the step of identifying the itemfurther comprises: conducting, by the removable scanning sensor node, anidentification scan of an item to be shipped within the container; andidentifying the item to be shipped based upon scan data associated withthe identification scan.

4. The method of embodiment 3, wherein conducting the identificationscan further comprises detecting a wireless identification elementrelated to the item.

5. The method of embodiment 4, wherein the wireless identificationelement comprises a communications device that wirelessly broadcastsinformation associated with the item.

6. The method of embodiment 4, wherein the wireless identificationelement comprises one from the group comprising a radio, a cellularradio device, a wireless network device, a wireless data communicationsdevice operating under a lower power communication protocol and awireless data communications device operating under a higher powercommunication protocol, an RFID device, an NFC device, a Bluetoothdevice, a ZigBee device, and a Wi-Fi device.

7. The method of embodiment 3, wherein conducting the identificationscan further comprises detecting a barcode element related to the item.

8. The method of embodiment 1 further comprising the step of recordingthe determined occupied capacity into a memory of the removable scanningsensor node.

9. The method of embodiment 1 further comprising the steps of:identifying, by the removable scanning sensor node, a plurality ofadditional items to be shipped within the container; periodicallymapping, by the removable scanning sensor node, the space within thecontainer after one or more of the additional items have been placedwithin the container; and determining, by the removable scanning sensornode, an updated occupied capacity within the container based upon themapped space after each of the periodic mapping steps.

10. The method of embodiment 9, wherein the periodically mapping step isperformed by the removable scanning sensor node until a desired loadstatus for the container is detected.

11. The method of embodiment 10 further comprising the steps of:tracking, by the removable scanning sensor node, a time taken to loadthe container until detecting the desired load status; and transmitting,by the removable scanning sensor node, a load time message to themanaging node, wherein the load time message reflects the tracked timetaken to load the container.

12. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the notification indicates astatus of the container associated with the determined occupied capacityof the container.

13. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the transmitting step comprises:detecting if the determined occupied capacity meets a desired loadstatus for the container; and transmitting, by the removable scanningsensor node, the notification to the managing node when the determinedoccupied capacity at least meets the desired load status for thecontainer.

14. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the notification indicates arequested change to the load operation related to the container.

15. The method of embodiment 14, wherein the requested change comprisesa request for additional personnel to be involved in loading thecontainer.

16. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the notification indicates asummary of what has been loaded into the container associated with thedetermined occupied capacity of the container.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructionswhich when executed on a processor of a removable scanning sensor nodeperforms an improved method for managing a load operation related to acontainer using the removable scanning sensor node, the methodcomprising: identifying, by the removable scanning sensor node, an itemto be shipped within the container; mapping, by the removable scanningsensor node, the space within the container after the item has beenplaced within the container, wherein the removable scanning sensor nodebeing temporarily disposed within the container and oriented to map thespace within the container from above the space; determining, by theremovable scanning sensor node, an occupied capacity within thecontainer based upon mapping data associated with the mapped space; andtransmitting, by the removable scanning sensor node, a notification to amanaging node in communication with the removable scanning sensor node,wherein the notification is related to the occupied capacity within thecontainer.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 17,wherein the step of identifying the item further comprises identifying,by the removable scanning sensor node, the item when the item is loadedand placed within the container.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 17,wherein the step of identifying the item further comprises: conducting,by the removable scanning sensor node, an identification scan of an itemto be shipped within the container; and identifying the item to beshipped based upon scan data associated with the identification scan.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 19,wherein conducting the identification scan further comprises detecting awireless identification element related to the item.

21. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 20,wherein the wireless identification element comprises a communicationsdevice that wirelessly broadcasts information associated with the item.

22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 20,wherein the wireless identification element comprises one from the groupcomprising a radio, a cellular radio device, a wireless network device,a wireless data communications device operating under a lower powercommunication protocol and a wireless data communications deviceoperating under a higher power communication protocol, an RFID device,an NFC device, a Bluetooth device, a ZigBee device, and a Wi-Fi device.

23. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 19,wherein conducting the identification scan further comprises detecting abarcode element related to the item.

24. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 17 furthercomprising the step of recording the determined occupied capacity into amemory of the removable scanning sensor node.

25. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 17 furthercomprising the steps of: identifying, by the removable scanning sensornode, a plurality of additional items to be shipped within thecontainer; periodically mapping, by the removable scanning sensor node,the space within the container after one or more of the additional itemshave been placed within the container; and determining, by the removablescanning sensor node, an updated occupied capacity within the containerbased upon the mapped space after each of the periodic mapping steps.

26. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 25,wherein the periodically mapping step is performed by the removablescanning sensor node until a desired load status for the container isdetected.

27. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 26 furthercomprising the steps of: tracking, by the removable scanning sensornode, a time taken to load the container until detecting the desiredload status; and transmitting, by the removable scanning sensor node, aload time message to the managing node, wherein the load time messagereflects the tracked time taken to load the container.

28. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 17,wherein the notification indicates a status of the container associatedwith the determined occupied capacity of the container.

29. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 17,wherein the transmitting step comprises: detecting if the determinedoccupied capacity meets a desired load status for the container; andtransmitting, by the removable scanning sensor node, the notification tothe managing node when the determined occupied capacity at least meetsthe desired load status for the container.

30. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 17,wherein the notification indicates a requested change to the loadoperation related to the container.

31. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 30,wherein the requested change comprises a request for additionalpersonnel to be involved in loading the container.

32. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 17,wherein the notification indicates a summary of what has been loadedinto the container associated with the determined occupied capacity ofthe container.

33. An improved scanning sensor apparatus for managing a load operationrelated to a container; the apparatus comprising: a housing configuredto mount within the container in a position located above storage spacewithin the container; a processing unit disposed within the housing; amemory disposed within the housing, the memory being operatively coupledto the processing unit and maintaining at least a load operation programcode section and a scanning program code section for execution by theprocessing unit; a depth sensor operatively coupled to the processingunit, wherein the depth sensor is disposed and oriented to map thestorage space within the container from above the storage space; anidentification scanner operatively coupled to the processing unit,wherein the identification scanner is configured to identify an item tobe shipped within the container; and a wireless communication interfacedisposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the processingunit; and wherein the processing unit, when executing the load operationprogram code section and the scanning program code section, is operativeto receive an identification of the item to be shipped within thecontainer from the identification scanner, cause the depth sensor to mapthe storage space within the container after the item has been placedwithin the container, receive mapping data generated by the depth sensorassociated with the mapped storage space within the container, determinean occupied capacity within the container based upon the mapping dataassociated with the mapped storage space, and instruct the wirelesscommunication interface to transmit a notification to a managing node incommunication with the improved scanning sensor apparatus over thewireless communication interface, wherein the notification is related tothe occupied capacity within the container.

34. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein the identification scanneridentifies the item to be shipped by receiving a signal broadcast from adevice associated with the item to be shipped, wherein the signalincludes data sufficient to identify the item to be shipped.

35. The apparatus of embodiment 34, wherein the device broadcasting thesignal to the identification scanner comprises a radio transmitteroperative to generate and transmit the signal to be received by theidentification scanner.

36. The apparatus of embodiment 34, wherein the device broadcasting thesignal to the identification scanner comprises at least one from thegroup comprising a radio, a cellular radio device, a wireless networkdevice, a wireless data communications device operating under a lowerpower communication protocol and a wireless data communications deviceoperating under a higher power communication protocol, an RFID device,an NFC device, a Bluetooth device, a ZigBee device, and a Wi-Fi device.

37. The apparatus of embodiment 35, wherein the identification scannercomprises an RFID reader and the device broadcasting the signalcomprises an RFID tag.

38. The apparatus of embodiment 35, wherein the identification scannercomprises a first Bluetooth device related to the apparatus and thedevice broadcasting the signal comprises a second Bluetooth devicerelated to the item.

39. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein the identification scannercomprises a barcode reader configured to identify the item to be shippedby capturing information about the item to be shipped from an encodedlabel on an exterior surface of the item.

40. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein the processing unit isoperative to receive the identification of the item as the item is beingloaded and placed within the storage space of the container.

41. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein the processing unit isfurther operative to record the determined occupied capacity into thememory.

42. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein the identification scanneris further operative to identify a plurality of additional items to beshipped within the container; and wherein the processing unit is furtheroperative to: cause the depth sensor to periodically map the storagespace within the container from above the storage space after one ormore of the additional items have been placed within the container, anddetermine an updated occupied capacity within the container based uponthe mapped space after each of the periodic mapping.

43. The apparatus of embodiment 42, wherein the processing unit isfurther operative to cause the depth sensor to periodically map thestorage space until a desired load status for the container is achieved,the desired load status being related to the updated occupied capacitywithin the container.

44. The apparatus of embodiment 43, wherein the processing unit isfurther operative to: determine a load time taken to load the containerto the desired load status level based upon the mapping data associatedwith the mapped storage space over time; and instruct the wirelesscommunication interface to transmit a load time message to the managingnode, wherein the load time message reflects the load time taken to loadthe container to the desired load status level.

45. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein the notification indicates astatus of the container associated with the determined occupied capacityof the container.

46. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein the processing unit isfurther operative to: detect if the determined occupied capacity meets adesired load status for the container; and instruct the wirelesscommunication interface to transmit the notification to the managingnode when the determined occupied capacity at least meets the desiredload status for the container.

47. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein the notification indicates arequested change to the load operation related to the container.

48. The apparatus of embodiment 47, wherein the requested changecomprises a request for additional personnel to be involved in loadingthe container.

49. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein the notification indicates asummary of what has been loaded into the container associated with thedetermined occupied capacity of the container.

50. An improved system for managing load operations related to aplurality of containers, the system comprising: a managing node deviceassociated with at least one operator, the managing node device furthercomprising at least a wireless communication interface; and a displayinterface that generates information to be provided to the at least oneoperator; and a plurality of scanning sensor nodes, wherein each of thescanning sensor nodes are in operative wireless communication with themanaging node device, wherein each of the scanning sensor nodes isdisposed within a respective one of the containers above a storage spacewithin the respective container; wherein each of the scanning sensornodes mounted in the respective one of the containers is operative toidentify one or more items as the items are loaded into the storagespace within the respective one of the containers using anidentification scanner on the scanning sensor node, map the storagespace from above the storage space using a sensor on the scanning sensornode while the items are loaded into the storage space, determine anoccupied capacity within the respective one of the containers based uponmapping data generated by the sensor related to the mapped storagespace, and transmit a notification to the managing node device, whereinthe notification is related to the occupied capacity within therespective one of the containers; and wherein the managing node deviceis operative to receive the notification over the wireless communicationinterface from each of the scanning sensor nodes, assess thenotification received from each of the scanning sensor nodes relative toat least one loading characteristic, generate a loading change messagerelated to a change in the load operations related to the containers,and provide the loading change message on the display interface.

51. The system of embodiment 50, wherein the identification scanneridentifies the one or more items by receiving a signal from a deviceassociated with each of the one or more items, wherein the signalincludes data that identifies the respective one of the one or moreitems.

52. The system of embodiment 50, wherein the identification scannercomprises at least one of an RFID reader, a low energy Bluetooth device,and a barcode reader.

53. The system of embodiment 50, wherein each of the scanning sensornodes mounted in the respective one of the containers is operative tomap the storage space of the respective one of the containers while theitems are loaded into the storage space until detecting a desired loadstatus for the container based upon the mapping of the storage space.

54. The system of embodiment 53, wherein each of the scanning sensornodes mounted in the respective one of the containers is furtheroperative to: determine a load time taken to load the respective one ofthe containers to the desired load status level; and transmit a loadtime message to the managing node device, wherein the load time messagereflects the load time taken to load the respective one of thecontainers to the desired load status level.

55. The system of embodiment 50 further comprising a server device inoperative communication with the managing node device over the wirelesscommunication interface of the managing node device.

56. The system of embodiment 55, wherein the managing node device isoperative to provide the loading change message on the display interfaceby being further operative to: transmit a request to the server devicefor an authorization to provide the loading change message on thedisplay interface; receive the authorization from the server device; andprovide the loading change message on the display interface based on thereceived authorization.

57. The system of embodiment 55, wherein the notification furthercomprises information on the items loaded into at least one of thecontainers; and wherein the managing node device is further operative togenerate a container content message related to the notificationreceived from each of the scanning sensor node devices, and transmit thecontainer content message to the server device.

58. The system of embodiment 50, wherein the change in load operationsrelated to the containers comprises a workload adjustment in the loadoperations.

59. The system of embodiment 50, wherein the change in load operationsrelated to the containers comprises an indication that loading iscomplete regarding at least one of the containers.

60. The system of embodiment 50, wherein the loading change messageidentifies which of the containers where assistance is needed to moreefficiently load the one or more of the items associated with theidentified container.

Further Embodiment 3—Methods, Computer-Readable Media, and Apparatus forDetecting an Operational Safety Condition within a Container

1. An improved method for detecting an operational safety conditionwithin a container using a scanning sensor node deployed within thecontainer and above a storage space defined within the container, themethod comprising: sensing, by the scanning sensor node, if thecontainer is in a closed state; monitoring, by the scanning sensor node,the storage space from above the storage space while the container is inthe closed state; detecting, by the scanning sensor node, a movementwithin the container based upon the monitoring of the storage spacewhile the container is in the closed state, the movement beingindicative of the operational safety condition; and transmitting analert to a managing node over a wireless communication interface of thescanning sensor node, the alert associated with the operational safetycondition within the container.

2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the sensing step furthercomprises receiving light on a sensor on the scanning sensor node, thelight originating from outside the container and the received amount ofthe light below a threshold level being indicative of the closed stateof the container.

3. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the sensing step furthercomprises detecting light on a light sensitive sensor disposed on thescanning sensor node, the light sensitive sensor being oriented towardsan opening in the container and configured to detect the light asoriginating from outside the container, wherein the container is in theclosed state when the light sensitive sensor detects the light from theopening at less than a threshold level.

4. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the sensing step furthercomprises: identifying a type of the container by the scanning sensornode; mapping a perceived footprint of the identified container by ascanner disposed on the scanning sensor node, the scanner being orientedwithin the container to at least map the storage space from above thestorage space; and sensing the container is in the closed state by thescanning sensor node when the perceived footprint of the containermapped by the scanner exceeds a known footprint of the identified typeof the container.

5. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the monitoring step furthercomprises using a scanner on the scanning sensor node to periodicallymap a change in the storage space of the container over time.

6. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the movement further comprises achanged location of one or more items loaded within the storage spacewhile the container is in the closed state.

7. The method of embodiment 6, wherein the operational safety conditioncomprises a safety warning related to the changed position of the one ormore items.

8. The method of embodiment 7, wherein the operational safety conditionindicates that the container should be reopened prior to shipment.

9. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the movement indicates that aperson is located within the storage space while the container is in theclosed state.

10. The method of embodiment 9, wherein the operational safety conditioncomprises a safety warning not to ship the container.

11. The method of embodiment 10, wherein the operational safetycondition indicates that the container should be reopened prior toshipment.

12. A non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructionswhich when executed on a processor of a scanning sensor node performs animproved method for detecting an operational safety condition within acontainer using a scanning sensor node deployed within the container andabove a storage space defined within the container, the methodcomprising: sensing, by the scanning sensor node, if the container is ina closed state; monitoring, by the scanning sensor node, the storagespace from above the storage space while the container is in the closedstate; detecting, by the scanning sensor node, a movement within thecontainer based upon the monitoring of the storage space while thecontainer is in the closed state, the movement being indicative of theoperational safety condition; and transmitting an alert to a managingnode over a wireless communication interface of the scanning sensornode, the alert associated with the operational safety condition withinthe container.

13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 12,wherein the sensing step further comprises receiving light on a sensoron the scanning sensor node, the light originating from outside thecontainer and the received amount of the light below a threshold levelbeing indicative of the closed state of the container.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 12,wherein the sensing step further comprises detecting light on a lightsensitive sensor disposed on the scanning sensor node, the lightsensitive sensor being oriented towards an opening in the container andconfigured to detect the light as originating from outside thecontainer, wherein the container is in the closed state when the lightsensitive sensor detects the light from the opening at less than athreshold level.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 12,wherein the sensing step further comprises: identifying a type of thecontainer by the scanning sensor node; mapping a perceived footprint ofthe identified container by a scanner disposed on the scanning sensornode, the scanner being oriented within the container to at least mapthe storage space from above the storage space; and sensing thecontainer is in the closed state by the scanning sensor node when theperceived footprint of the container mapped by the scanner exceeds aknown footprint of the identified type of the container.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 12,wherein the monitoring step further comprises using a scanner on thescanning sensor node to periodically map a change in the storage spaceof the container over time.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 12,wherein the movement further comprises a changed location of one or moreitems loaded within the storage space while the container is in theclosed state.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 17,wherein the operational safety condition comprises a safety warningrelated to the changed position of the one or more items.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 18,wherein the operational safety condition indicates that the containershould be reopened prior to shipment.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 12,wherein the movement indicates that a person is located within thestorage space while the container is in the closed state.

21. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 20,wherein the operational safety condition comprises a safety warning notto ship the container.

22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of embodiment 21,wherein the operational safety condition indicates that the containershould be reopened prior to shipment.

23. A scanning sensor apparatus disposed above a storage space within acontainer that detects an operational safety condition within thecontainer, the apparatus comprising: a housing configured to mountwithin the container and above the storage space within the container; aprocessing unit disposed within the housing; a memory disposed withinthe housing, the memory being operatively coupled to the processing unitand maintaining at least a safety condition program code section forexecution by the processing unit; a scanner operatively coupled to theprocessing unit, wherein the scanner is exposed to the storage spacewithin the container from above the storage space, wherein the scanneris configured to monitor the storage space from above the storage space;a sensor operatively coupled to the processing unit, wherein the sensordetects if the container is in a closed state; a wireless communicationinterface operatively coupled to the processing unit; and wherein theprocessing unit, when executing the safety condition program codesection, is operative to receive an indication from the sensor onwhether the container is in the closed state, cause the scanner tomonitor the storage space while the container is in the closed state,receive information from the scanner related to monitoring of thestorage space while the container is in the closed state, detect amovement within the container based upon the received information fromthe scanner, the movement being indicative of the operational safetycondition, and provide the wireless communication interface with analert to be transmitted to a managing node, the alert being associatedwith the operational safety condition within the container.

24. The apparatus of embodiment 23, wherein the scanner furthercomprises a plurality of scanning elements configured to monitor thestorage space from above the storage space.

25. The apparatus of embodiment 23, wherein the sensor further comprisesa light sensitive sensor oriented towards an opening in the containerand configured to detect the light as originating from outside thecontainer, wherein the container is in the closed state when the lightsensitive sensor detects the light from the opening at less than athreshold level.

26. The apparatus of embodiment 25, wherein processing unit is operativeto receive a signal from the sensor as the indication whether thecontainer is in the closed state.

27. The apparatus of embodiment 25, wherein the processing unit isoperative to receive a signal from the sensor indicating an amount oflight detected; and assess the indicated amount of light detectedrelative to the threshold level to determine whether the container is inthe closed state.

28. The apparatus of embodiment 23, wherein the processing unit isfurther operative to: identify a type of the container; cause thescanner to map a perceived footprint of the identified container;receive mapping data from the scanner, wherein the mapping datarepresents the perceived footprint; and determine the container is inthe closed state when the perceived footprint of the container mapped bythe scanner exceeds a known footprint associated with the identifiedtype of the container.

29. The apparatus of embodiment 23, wherein the processing unit isoperative to cause the scanner to monitor the storage space themonitoring step by being further operative to cause the scanner toperiodically map a change in the storage space of the container overtime.

30. The apparatus of embodiment 23, wherein the movement furthercomprises a changed location of one or more items loaded within thestorage space while the container is in the closed state.

31. The apparatus of embodiment 30, wherein the operational safetycondition comprises a safety warning related to the changed position ofthe one or more items.

32. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the operational safetycondition indicates that the container should be reopened prior toshipment.

33. The apparatus of embodiment 23, wherein the movement indicates thata person is located within the storage space while the container is inthe closed state.

34. The apparatus of embodiment 33, wherein the operational safetycondition comprises a safety warning not to ship the container.

35. The apparatus of embodiment 34, wherein the operational safetycondition indicates that the container should be reopened prior toshipment.

Further Embodiment 4—Methods, Apparatus, and Systems for DynamicallyTransforming Dimensional Data Using a Scanning Sensor Node

1. A method for dynamically transforming dimensional data representing ashipping item being loaded within a container using a scanning sensornode having at least a memory, a depth sensor, and a communicationsinterface to an external managing node, the method comprising: accessingavailable material dimension data in the memory within the scanningsensor node, wherein the material dimension data being related to theshipping item; scanning, by the depth sensor on the scanning sensornode, the space within the container to generate scan data related tothe shipping item once the shipping item is placed within the container,wherein the scanning sensor node is mounted within the container andabove the space within the container, and wherein the at least one depthsensor is oriented to scan the space within the container from above thespace and within the container; comparing, by the scanning sensor node,the generated scan data to the available material dimension data; anddynamically transforming the available material dimension data into thecurrent dimensional data representing the shipping item based upon thecomparison of the generated scan data to the available materialdimension data.

2. The method of embodiment 1, further comprising identifying, by thescanning sensor node, the shipping item as the shipping item is beingloaded within the container.

3. The method of embodiment 1, further comprising:

receiving, by the communication interface, the available materialdimension data from the external managing node; and

storing the available material dimension data received by the wirelesscommunication interface into the memory.

4. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the transforming step furthercomprises storing the generated scan data as the current dimensionaldata representing the shipping item if the material dimension data forthe shipping item is unavailable or inaccessible.

5. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the comparing step furthercomprises comparing, by the scanning sensor node, (a) an average of aplurality of scan data for the shipping item generated over a period oftime and (b) the available material dimension data; and wherein the stepof dynamically transforming the available material dimension datafurther comprises adjusting the current dimensional data representingthe shipping item based upon results of comparing (a) and (b).

6. The method of embodiment 5, wherein the step of dynamicallytransforming the available material dimension data into the currentdimensional data representing the shipping item further comprisesupdating the current dimensional data representing the shipping item toreflect the difference between the averaged scan data over the period oftime and the available material dimension data.

7. The method of embodiment 1 further comprising transmitting, by thescanning sensor node to the external managing node over thecommunications interface of the scanning sensor node, the transformedcurrent dimensional data representing the shipping item.

8. A scanning sensor apparatus disposed within a container thatdynamically transforms dimensional data representing a shipping itembeing loaded within the container, the apparatus comprising: a housingconfigured to mount to an interior roof surface within the container; aprocessing unit disposed within the housing; a memory disposed withinthe housing, the memory being operatively coupled to the processing unitand maintaining at least a scanning program code section for executionby the processing unit; a depth sensor operatively coupled to theprocessing unit, wherein the depth sensor is disposed and oriented toscan the space within the container below the interior roof surface; awireless communication interface disposed within the housing andoperatively coupled to the processing unit; and wherein the processingunit, when executing the scanning program code section, is operative toaccess available material dimension data in the memory related to theshipping item, cause the depth sensor to scan the space within thecontainer below the interior roof surface once the shipping item isloaded in the space within the container, receive, from the depthsensor, scan data generated during the scan, compare the scan data tothe available material dimension data, and dynamically transform theavailable material dimension data into the current dimensional datarepresenting the shipping item based upon the comparison of thegenerated scan data to the available material dimension data.

9. The apparatus of embodiment 8, wherein the processing unit is furtheroperative to identify the shipping item as the shipping item is beingloaded within the container.

10. The apparatus of embodiment 8, wherein the wireless communicationinterface is operative to receive the available material dimension datafrom the external managing node; and wherein the processing unit isfurther operative to storing the available material dimension data inthe memory within the scanning sensor node.

11. The apparatus of embodiment 8, wherein the processing unit isfurther operative to dynamically transform the available materialdimension data into the current dimensional data representing theshipping item by being further operative to store the generated scandata as the current dimensional data representing the shipping item ifthe material dimension data for the shipping item is unavailable orinaccessible.

12. The apparatus of embodiment 8, wherein the processing unit isoperative to compare the scan data to the available material dimensiondata by being further operative to: receive a plurality of scan datafrom the depth sensor generated over a period of time, determine anaverage of the plurality of the scan data, compare the average of aplurality of scan data and the available material dimension data, anddynamically transform the available material dimension data by adjustingthe current dimensional data representing the shipping item based uponresults of compare the average of a plurality of scan data and theavailable material dimension data.

13. The apparatus of embodiment 12, wherein the processing unit isoperative to dynamically transform the available material dimension datainto the current dimensional data representing the shipping item bybeing further operative to update the current dimensional datarepresenting the shipping item to reflect the difference between theaveraged scan data over the period of time and the available materialdimension data.

14. The apparatus of embodiment 8, wherein the processing unit isfurther operative to cause the wireless communication interface totransmit the transformed current dimensional data representing theshipping item to the external managing node.

15. The apparatus of embodiment 8, wherein the depth sensor furthercomprises a plurality of scanning elements disposed within the containerto scan for the dimensional measurements from above the space within thecontainer.

16. A system to quantify space within a container as the container isloaded, the system comprising: a scanning sensor apparatus disposedwithin the container, the scanning sensor apparatus further comprising:a housing configured to be mounted to an interior roof surface withinthe container; a processing unit disposed within the housing; a memorydisposed within the housing, the memory operatively coupled to theprocessing unit and maintaining at least a scanning program code sectionfor execution by the processing unit and an available material dimensiondata related to a shipping item; a depth sensor operatively coupled tothe processing unit, wherein the depth sensor is disposed below theinterior roof surface and oriented to scan the space within thecontainer below the interior roof surface; a wireless communicationinterface disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to theprocessing unit; and an external managing node disposed outside thecontainer and in operative communication with the scanning sensorapparatus via the wireless communication interface; wherein theprocessing unit of the scanning sensor apparatus, when executing thescanning program code section, is operative to access the availablematerial dimension data in the memory related to the shipping item,cause the depth sensor to scan the space within the container below theinterior roof surface once the shipping item is loaded in the spacewithin the container, receive, from the depth sensor, scan datagenerated during the scan, compare the scan data to the availablematerial dimension data, and dynamically transform the availablematerial dimension data into the current dimensional data representingthe shipping item based upon the comparison of the generated scan datato the available material dimension data, and cause the wirelesscommunication interface to transmit a dimensional data update message tothe external managing node, wherein the dimensional data update messagereflects the current dimensional data representing the shipping item;and wherein the external managing node receives the dimensional dataupdate message from the wireless communication interface of the scanningsensor apparatus and stores the transformed current dimensional data ascommunicated in the dimensional data update message.

17. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the processing unit of thescanning sensor node is further operative to identify the shipping itemas the shipping item is being loaded within the container.

18. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the wireless communicationinterface of the scanning sensor node is operative to receive at leastthe available material dimension data from the external managing node,wherein the available material dimension data is part of shipping datarelated to the shipping item; and wherein the processing unit of thescanning sensor node is further operative to storing the availablematerial dimension data in the memory within the scanning sensor node.

19. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the processing unit of thescanning sensor node is further operative to dynamically transform theavailable material dimension data into the current dimensional datarepresenting the shipping item by being further operative to store thegenerated scan data as the current dimensional data representing theshipping item if the material dimension data for the shipping item isunavailable or inaccessible.

20. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the processing unit of thescanning sensor node is operative to compare the scan data to theavailable material dimension data by being further operative to receivea plurality of scan data from the depth sensor generated over a periodof time, determine an average of the plurality of the scan data, comparethe average of a plurality of scan data and the available materialdimension data, and dynamically transform the available materialdimension data by adjusting the current dimensional data representingthe shipping item based upon results of compare the average of aplurality of scan data and the available material dimension data.

21. The system of embodiment 20, wherein the processing unit of thescanning sensor node is operative to dynamically transform the availablematerial dimension data into the current dimensional data representingthe shipping item by being further operative to update the currentdimensional data to reflect the difference between the averaged scandata over the period of time and the available material dimension data.

22. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the depth sensor furthercomprises a plurality of scanning elements disposed within the containerto scan for the dimensional measurements from above the space within thecontainer.

23. The system of embodiment 16 further comprising a server in directcommunication with the external managing node but incapable of directcommunication with the scanning sensor node; and wherein the externalmanaging node is further operative to transmit a dimensional updatemessage to the server, the dimensional update message informing theserver at least about the dynamic transform operation.

24. The system of embodiment 23, wherein the external managing nodedetects a logistics issue based upon the dimensional update message andtransmits an alert to the server, wherein the alert identifies thelogistics issue.

25. The system of embodiment 24, wherein the logistics issue comprises adefect with the item being shipped.

26. The system of embodiment 24, wherein the server responds to thealert by generating a logistics rectifying message that facilitatesaddressing the logistics issue prior to shipment of the container.

27. The system of embodiment 26, wherein the server transmits thelogistics rectifying message to the external managing node.

28. The system of embodiment 27, wherein the external managing nodeprovides the logistics rectifying message to at least one of a useraccess device in communication with the external managing node or thescanning sensor apparatus.

Further Embodiment 6—Systems, Apparatus, and Methods for QuantifyingSpace within a Container Using a Removable Scanning Sensor Node

1. A method for quantifying space within a container using a removablescanning sensor node, the method comprising: identifying, by theremovable scanning sensor node, a type of the container; scanning, by atleast one depth sensor on the removable scanning sensor node, the spacewithin the container to generate scan data, wherein the removablescanning sensor node is temporarily mounted within the container andabove the space within the container, and wherein the at least one depthsensor on the removable scanning sensor node is oriented to scan thespace within the container from above the space and within thecontainer; and determining, by the removable scanning sensor node, anunoccupied amount of the space within the container based upon the scandata.

2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the identifying step furthercomprises:

conducting, by the removable scanning sensor node, an initial scan ofthe space within the container from the perspective of the removablescanning sensor node oriented to look down from the ceiling within thecontainer, wherein the initial scan provides initial scan data thatincludes baseline dimensional information related to the space withinthe container; and identifying the type of the container based upon oneor more dimensional parameters of the baseline dimensional informationfrom the initial scan data.

3. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the identifying step furthercomprises: transmitting, by the removable scanning sensor node to asecond node device, a request for container type information related tothe container; and receiving, by the removable scanning sensor node fromthe second node device, the requested container type information,wherein the requested container type information identifies the type ofthe container and provides baseline dimensional information related tothe space within the container.

4. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the scanning step furthercomprises generating the scan data by taking a plurality of dimensionalmeasurements related to an interior region of the container using the atleast one depth sensor on the removable scanning sensor node, whereinthe at least one depth sensor part of the removable scanning sensor nodeis disposed on or substantially near the ceiling of the container andaligned to scan for the dimensional measurements from above the interiorregion of the container.

5. The method of embodiment 4, wherein the at least one depth sensorcomprises a plurality of scanning elements disposed within the containerto scan for the dimensional measurements from above the interior regionof the container.

6. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the step of determining theunoccupied amount of the space within the container further comprisesassessing the scanned space within the container relative to baselinedimensional information according to the identified type of thecontainer.

7. The method of embodiment 1 further comprising the step oftransmitting, by the removable scanning sensor node, a container statusupdate message to a second node element, wherein the container statusupdate message reflects the determined unoccupied amount of the spacewithin the container.

8. The method of embodiment 7 further comprising the steps of:identifying, by the removable scanning sensor node, when the scannedspace within the container reflects a desired loading state of thecontainer; and transmitting, by the removable scanning sensor node, adesired load message to the second node element, wherein the desiredload message reflects whether the desired loading state of the containerhas been identified.

9. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the unoccupied amount of thespace further comprises an approximate available volume left to befilled in a designated storage portion within the container.

10. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the step of determining theunoccupied amount of the space further comprises determining, by theremovable scanning sensor node, the unoccupied amount of the spacewithin the container based upon an average of the scan data generatedover time when scanning the space within the container from above thespace.

11. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the step of determining theunoccupied amount of the space further comprises determining, by theremovable scanning sensor node, the unoccupied amount of the spacewithin the container based upon an average of scan data generated overtime when scanning the space within the container from above the spaceand while the removable scanning sensor node detects movement within thecontainer.

12. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the step of scanning the spacewithin the container is performed by the removable scanning sensor nodeonly while the removable scanning sensor node detects there is nomovement within the space within the container.

13. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the step of determining theunoccupied amount of space further comprises: accessing materialdimension data from a source external to the removable scanning sensornode, the material dimension data being associated with a shipping itemloaded into the space within the container; and determining theunoccupied amount of the space within the container based upon the scandata and the accessed material dimension data, wherein the determinedunoccupied amount of the space represents a current status of the spacewithin the container below the interior roof surface.

14. The method of embodiment 13, wherein determining step furthercomprises determining the unoccupied amount of the space based upon acomparison of the accessed material dimension data and an average ofscan data generated by the at least one depth sensor over time whenscanning the space within the container from above the space and whilethe scanning sensor node detects movement within the container.

15. The method of embodiment 14, wherein determining step furthercomprises dynamically determining the unoccupied amount of the space asone or more additional shipping items are loaded into the space withinthe container.

16. A removable scanning sensor apparatus disposed within a container toquantify space within the container, the apparatus comprising: a housingconfigured to mount to an interior roof surface within the container; aprocessing unit disposed within the housing; a memory disposed withinthe housing, the memory being operatively coupled to the processing unitand maintaining at least a scanning program code section for executionby the processing unit; a depth sensor operatively coupled to theprocessing unit, wherein the depth sensor is disposed and oriented toscan the space within the container below the interior roof surface; awireless communication interface disposed within the housing andoperatively coupled to the processing unit; and a power source thatprovides electrical power to at least the processing unit, the memory,the depth sensor, and the wireless communication interface;

wherein the processing unit, when executing the scanning program codesection, is operative to identify a type of the container and baselinedimensional information related to the space within the identified typeof the container, store the baseline dimensional information in thememory, cause the depth sensor to scan the space within the containerbelow the interior roof surface, receive, from the depth sensor, scandata generated during the scan, and determine an unoccupied amount ofthe space within the container as the container is being loaded withmaterial occupying the space within the container, the determination ofthe unoccupied space depending on the baseline dimensional informationand the scan data representing a current status of the space within thecontainer below the interior roof surface.

17. The apparatus of embodiment 16, wherein the processing unit isoperative to identify the type of the container and the baselinedimensional information by being further operative to: cause the depthsensor to conduct an initial scan of the space within the container withthe depth sensor oriented with a field of view down from the interiorroof surface within the container, wherein the initial scan provides thebaseline dimensional information related to the space within thecontainer; and identify the type of the container based upon one or moredimensional parameters of the baseline dimensional information from theinitial scan.

18. The apparatus of embodiment 16, wherein the processing unit isoperative to identify the type of the container and the baselinedimensional information by being further operative to: cause thewireless communications interface to transmit a request to a second nodedevice, the request being for container type information related to thecontainer; and receive the requested container type information from thewireless communication interface after the wireless communicationinterface receives the requested container type information from thesecond node, wherein the requested container type information identifiesthe type of the container and provides the baseline dimensionalinformation related to the space within the container.

19. The apparatus of embodiment 16, wherein the processing unit isoperative to cause the depth sensor to scan the space within thecontainer below the interior roof surface by being further operative tocause the depth sensor to determine a plurality of dimensionalmeasurements related to an interior region of the space within thecontainer, the plurality of dimensional measurements determined from thescan data generated during the scan.

20. The apparatus of embodiment 19, wherein the depth sensor furthercomprises a plurality of scanning elements disposed within the containerto scan for the dimensional measurements from above the interior regionof the container.

21. The apparatus of embodiment 16, wherein the depth sensor isoperative to map a void within the space and comprises at least one fromthe group consisting of a camera, an infrared source and sensor, and alaser scanner.

22. The apparatus of embodiment 16, wherein the processing unit isfurther operative to cause the wireless communication interface totransmit a container status update message to a second node element,wherein the container status update message reflects the determinedunoccupied amount of the space within the container.

23. The apparatus of embodiment 22, wherein the processing unit isfurther operative to: identify when the scanned space within thecontainer reflects a desired loading state of the container; and causethe wireless communications interface to transmit a desired load messageto the second node element, wherein the desired load message reflectswhether the desired loading state of the container has been identified.

24. The apparatus of embodiment 16, wherein the processing unit isfurther operative to determine the unoccupied space based upon anaverage of scan data generated over time when scanning the space withinthe container from above the space.

25. The apparatus of embodiment 16, wherein the processing unit isfurther operative to determine the unoccupied amount of the space basedupon an average of scan data generated by the depth sensor over timewhen scanning the space within the container from above the space andwhile the scanning sensor node detects movement within the container.

26. The apparatus of embodiment 16, wherein the processing unit isoperative to cause the depth sensor to scan the space within thecontainer by being further operative to cause the depth sensor to scanthe space only when the depth sensor detects there is no movement withinthe space within the container.

27. The apparatus of embodiment 16, wherein the power source is at leastone of a rechargeable power unit or a replaceable power unit.

28. The apparatus of embodiment 16, wherein the housing is configured tobe detachably mounted to the interior roof surface within the container.

29. The apparatus of embodiment 16, wherein the depth sensor comprises aplurality of depth sensors that each are disposed and oriented to scanat least a respective portion of the space within the container belowthe interior roof surface.

30. The apparatus of embodiment 16, wherein the processing unit isoperative to determine the unoccupied amount of space by being furtheroperative to access material dimension data stored within the memory,the material dimension data being generated by a source external to theremovable scanning sensor node, the material dimension data beingassociated with a shipping item loaded into the space within thecontainer; and determine the unoccupied amount of the space within thecontainer based upon the scan data, the baseline dimensionalinformation, and the accessed material dimension data.

31. The apparatus of embodiment 30, wherein the processing unit isoperative to determine the unoccupied amount of the space based upon afirst comparison and a second comparison, wherein the first comparisonis of the accessed material dimension data and an average of scan datagenerated by the depth sensor over time when scanning the space withinthe container from above the space and while the scanning sensor nodedetects movement within the container, wherein the second comparison isof the results of the first comparison and the baseline dimensionalinformation.

32. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the processing unit isfurther operative to dynamically determine the unoccupied amount of thespace as one or more additional shipping items are loaded into the spacewithin the container.

33. A system to quantify space within a container as the container isloaded, the system comprising: a portable scanning sensor apparatusdisposed within the container, the portable scanning sensor apparatusfurther comprising: a housing configured to be mounted to an interiorroof surface within the container; a processing unit disposed within thehousing; a memory disposed within the housing, the memory operativelycoupled to the processing unit and maintaining at least a scanningprogram code section for execution by the processing unit; a depthsensor operatively coupled to the processing unit, wherein the depthsensor is disposed below the interior roof surface and oriented to scanthe space within the container below the interior roof surface; awireless communication interface disposed within the housing andoperatively coupled to the processing unit; and a power source providingelectrical power to at least the processing unit, the memory, the depthsensor, and the wireless communication interface; and an external nodedisposed outside the container and in communication with the portablescanning sensor apparatus via the wireless communication interface;

wherein the processing unit of the portable scanning sensor apparatus,when executing the scanning program code section, is operative toidentify a type of the container and baseline dimensional informationrelated to the space within the identified type of the container, storethe baseline dimensional information in the memory, cause the depthsensor to scan the space within the container below the interior roofsurface, receive, from the depth sensor, scan data generated during thescan, determine an unoccupied amount of the space within the containeras the container is being loaded with material occupying the spacewithin the container, the determination of the unoccupied amount of thespace depending on the baseline dimensional information and the scandata representing a current status of the space within the containerbelow the interior roof surface, and cause the wireless communicationinterface to transmit a container status update message to the externalnode, wherein the container status update message reflects thedetermined unoccupied amount of the space within the container; and

wherein the external node receives the container status update messagefrom the wireless communication interface and provides an indicationassociated with the determined unoccupied amount of the space within thecontainer.

34. The system of embodiment 33, wherein the processing unit isoperative to identify the type of the container and the baselinedimensional information by being further operative to: cause the depthsensor to conduct an initial scan of the space within the container withthe depth sensor oriented with a field of view down from the interiorroof surface within the container, wherein the initial scan provides thebaseline dimensional information related to the space within thecontainer; and identify the type of the container based upon one or moredimensional parameters of the baseline dimensional information from theinitial scan.

35. The system of embodiment 33, wherein the processing unit isoperative to identify the type of the container and the baselinedimensional information by being further operative to: cause thewireless communications interface to transmit a request to the secondnode device, the request being for container type information related tothe container, and receive the requested container type information fromthe wireless communication interface after the wireless communicationinterface receives the requested container type information, wherein therequested container type information identifies the type of thecontainer and provides the baseline dimensional information related tothe space within the container; and wherein the external node receivesthe request and generates the requested container type information inresponse to the request.

36. The system of embodiment 35 further comprising a server incommunication with at least the external node; and wherein the externalnode receives the request and generates the requested container typeinformation based upon a communication received from the server.

37. The system of embodiment 33, wherein the processing unit isoperative to cause the depth sensor to scan the space within thecontainer below the interior roof surface by being further operative tocause the depth sensor to take a plurality of dimensional measurementsrelated to an interior region of the space within the container.

38. The system of embodiment 37, wherein the depth sensor furthercomprises a plurality of scanning elements disposed within the containerto scan for the dimensional measurements from above the interior regionof the container.

39. The system of embodiment 33, wherein the depth sensor is configuredto map a void within the space above the interior region of thecontainer and further comprises at least one from the group consistingof a camera, an infrared source and sensor, and a laser scanner.

40. The system of embodiment 39, wherein the processing unit is furtheroperative to: identify when the scanned space within the containerreflects a desired loading state of the container; and cause thewireless communications interface to transmit a desired load message tothe external node, wherein the desired load message reflects whether thedesired loading state of the container has been identified.

41. The system of embodiment 33 further comprising a server incommunication with the external node; and wherein the external node isoperative to provide the indication associated with the determinedunoccupied amount of the space within the container by being furtheroperative to transmit an indication message to the server.

42. The system of embodiment 33, wherein the external node is operativeto provide the indication associated with the determined unoccupiedamount of the space within the container by notifying an operator of theexternal node with the indication.

43. The system of embodiment 42, wherein the external node furthercomprises a display that notifies the operator about the indication.

44. The system of embodiment 33, wherein the processing unit of theportable scanning sensor apparatus is further operative to determine theunoccupied amount of the space based upon an average of scan datagenerated over time when scanning the space within the container fromabove the space.

45. The system of embodiment 33, wherein the processing unit of theportable scanning sensor apparatus is further operative to determine theunoccupied amount of the space based upon an average of scan datagenerated by the depth sensor over time when scanning the space withinthe container from above the space and while the scanning sensor nodedetects movement within the container.

46. The system of embodiment 33, wherein processing unit of the portablescanning sensor apparatus is operative to cause the depth sensor to scanthe space within the container by being further operative to cause thedepth sensor to scan the space only when the depth sensor detects thereis no movement within the space within the container.

47. The system of embodiment 33, wherein the housing of the portablescanning sensor apparatus is configured to be detachably mounted to theinterior roof surface within the container.

48. The system of embodiment 33, wherein processing unit of the portablescanning sensor apparatus is operative to determine the unoccupiedamount of space by being further operative to access material dimensiondata stored within the memory, the material dimension data beinggenerated by a source external to the removable scanning sensor node,the material dimension data being associated with a shipping item loadedinto the space within the container; and determine the unoccupied amountof the space within the container based upon the scan data, the baselinedimensional information, and the accessed material dimension data.

49. The system of embodiment 48, wherein processing unit of the portablescanning sensor apparatus is operative to determine the unoccupiedamount of the space based upon a first comparison and a secondcomparison, wherein the first comparison is of the accessed materialdimension data and an average of scan data generated by the depth sensorover time when scanning the space within the container from above thespace and while the scanning sensor node detects movement within thecontainer, wherein the second comparison is of the results of the firstcomparison and the baseline dimensional information.

50. The system of embodiment 49, wherein processing unit of the portablescanning sensor apparatus is further operative to dynamically determinethe unoccupied amount of the space as one or more additional shippingitems are loaded into the space within the container.

In summary, it should be emphasized that the sequence of operations toperform any of the methods and variations of the methods described inthe embodiments herein are merely exemplary, and that a variety ofsequences of operations may be followed while still being true and inaccordance with the principles of the present invention as understood byone skilled in the art.

At least some portions of exemplary embodiments outlined above may beused in association with portions of other exemplary embodiments toenhance and improve logistics operations, such as loading a container,managing what is loaded in a container, increasing efficiency of loadingoperations, detecting relevant and potentially dangerous operationalsafety conditions relative to a container that is being loaded or thathas been loaded, and transforming generated data that is representativeof physical objects so as to more accurately represent an item loaded inthe container and/or more accurately account for what has been loadedinto the storage space of the container. Moreover, at least some of theexemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be used independently fromone another and/or in combination with one another and may haveapplications to devices and methods not disclosed herein. However, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary scanning sensornode apparatus, systems using such an apparatus, and methods of how suchan apparatus may operate as part of a logistics operation as describedabove provide enhancements and improvements to technology used inlogistics and shipment managing.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may provideone or more advantages, and not all embodiments necessarily provide allor more than one particular advantage as set forth here. Additionally,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the structures andmethodologies described herein. Thus, it should be understood that theinvention is not limited to the subject matter discussed in thedescription. Rather, the present invention, as recited in the claimsbelow, is intended to cover modifications and variations.

What is claimed:
 1. A system for dynamically transforming scan datarepresenting a loaded volume of a container as the container is loaded,the system comprising: a scanning sensor apparatus disposed within thecontainer, the scanning sensor apparatus further comprising a housingconfigured to mount to an interior surface within the container in aposition above a storage space within the container; a processing unitdisposed within the housing; a memory disposed within the housing, thememory being operatively coupled to the processing unit and maintainingat least a scanning program code for execution by the processing unitand material dimension data related to an item being loaded into thestorage space; a depth sensor operatively coupled to the processingunit, wherein the depth sensor is disposed and oriented towards thestorage space within the container and from above the storage space; anidentification scanner operatively coupled to the processing unit,wherein the identification scanner is operative to conduct anidentification scan of an identification element for the item beingloaded into the storage space; a wireless communication interfacedisposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the processingunit; and an external managing node disposed outside the container andin operative communication with the scanning sensor apparatus via thewireless communication interface; wherein the processing unit of thescanning sensor apparatus, when executing the scanning program code, isoperative to cause the identification scanner to conduct theidentification scan of the identification element and gather informationthat identifies the item being loaded into the storage space within thecontainer, cause the depth sensor to scan the storage space within thecontainer from above the storage space and generate the scan datarepresenting the loaded volume of the container, store the generatedscan data in the memory, determine if the item loaded into the storagespace is at least partially not visible to the depth sensor based uponthe generated scan data, dynamically transform the scan data intorefined scan data if the processing unit determines the item is at leastpartially not visible to the depth sensor, wherein the scan data istransformed into the refined scan data based at least upon the materialdimension data associated with the item, and cause the wirelesscommunication interface to transmit a volume update message to theexternal managing node, wherein the volume update message includes therefined scan data representing the current loaded volume of thecontainer; and wherein the external managing node is further operativeto receive the volume update message from the wireless communicationinterface of the scanning sensor apparatus and store the refined scandata.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a server in directcommunication with the external managing node but incapable of directcommunication with the scanning sensor apparatus; and wherein theexternal managing node is further operative to transmit a containerstatus update message to the server, the container status update messageinforming the server at least about the current loaded volume of thecontainer as reflected by the refined scan data.
 3. The system of claim1, wherein the processing unit of the scanning sensor apparatus isoperative to determine if the item loaded into the storage space is atleast partially not visible to the depth sensor when the generated scandata is indicative of an incremental increase to the loaded volume ofthe container and the incremental increase is less than a thresholdamount.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the threshold amount dependsupon an expected volume parameter associated with the item.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the expected volume parameter of the item isrelated to the material dimension data associated with the item.
 6. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the material dimension data comprisesdimension information from a previous logistics scan of the item.
 7. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the material dimension data comprises defaultdimension information for the item.
 8. The system of claim 5, whereinthe external managing node provides the material dimension data to thescanning sensor apparatus through the wireless communication interface;and wherein the processing unit of the scanning sensor apparatus storesthe received material dimension data in the memory.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the identification scanner of the scanning sensorapparatus is operative to conduct the identification scan by beingfurther operative to receive a signal that identifies the item andprovide information from the signal to the processing unit, wherein theprovided information identifies the item being loaded into the storagespace within the container.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein theidentification element comprises a wireless identification deviceassociated with the item being loaded into the storage space; andwherein the identification scanner of the scanning sensor apparatusidentifies the item by receiving a signal broadcast from the wirelessidentification device, wherein the signal includes data sufficient toidentify the item.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the wirelesscommunication interface of the scanning sensor apparatus is furtheroperative to transmit a request to the external managing node for thematerial dimension data associated with the identified item; and whereinthe external managing node is operative to receive the request andtransmit a response to the scanning sensor apparatus, the responseincluding the requested material dimension data.
 12. A scanning sensorapparatus disposed within a container that dynamically transforms scandata representing a loaded volume of a container, the apparatuscomprising: a housing configured to mount to an interior surface withinthe container in a position above a storage space within the container;a processing unit disposed within the housing; a memory disposed withinthe housing, the memory being operatively coupled to the processing unitand maintaining at least a scanning program code for execution by theprocessing unit and material dimension data related to an item beingloaded into the storage space; a depth sensor operatively coupled to theprocessing unit, wherein the depth sensor is disposed and orientedtowards the storage space within the container and from above thestorage space; an identification scanner operatively coupled to theprocessing unit, wherein the identification scanner is operative toconduct an identification scan of an identification element for the itembeing loaded into the storage space; a wireless communication interfacedisposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the processingunit; and wherein the processing unit, when executing the scanningprogram code, is operative to cause the identification scanner toconduct the identification scan of the identification element and gatherinformation that identifies the item being loaded into the storage spacewithin the container, cause the depth sensor to scan the storage spacewithin the container from above the storage space and generate the scandata representing the loaded volume of the container, store thegenerated scan data in the memory, determine if the item loaded into thestorage space is at least partially not visible to the depth sensorbased upon the generated scan data, and dynamically transform the scandata into refined scan data if the processing unit determines the itemis at least partially not visible to the depth sensor, wherein the scandata is transformed into the refined scan data based at least upon thematerial dimension data associated with the item.
 13. The scanningsensor apparatus of claim 12, wherein the processing unit is operativeto determine if the item loaded into the storage space is substantiallynot visible to the depth sensor by being further operative to: compare(a) the scan data generated after the item is loaded into the storagespace to (b) prior scan data representing a previously loaded volume ofthe container before the item is loaded into the storage space; anddetermine that the item is at least partially not visible to the depthsensor when the difference between (a) and (b) represents an incrementalincrease to a previously determined loaded volume of the container andthe incremental increase is less than a threshold amount.
 14. Thescanning sensor apparatus of claim 13, wherein the threshold amountdepends upon an expected volume parameter associated with the item. 15.The scanning sensor apparatus of claim 14, wherein the expected volumeparameter of the item is related to the material dimension dataassociated with the item.
 16. The scanning sensor apparatus of claim 15,wherein the material dimension data comprises dimension information froma previous logistics scan of the item.
 17. The scanning sensor apparatusof claim 15, wherein the material dimension data comprises defaultdimension information for the item.
 18. The scanning sensor apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein the material dimension data comprises informationreceived from an external managing node in communication with thescanning sensor apparatus through the wireless communication interface.19. The scanning sensor apparatus of claim 12, wherein theidentification scanner is operative to conduct the identification scanby being further operative to receive a signal that identifies the itemand provide information from the signal to the processing unit, whereinthe provided information identifies the item being loaded into thestorage space.
 20. The scanning sensor apparatus of claim 12, whereinthe identification scanner identifies the item by receiving a signalbroadcast from the identification element associated with the item to beshipped, wherein the signal includes data sufficient to identify theitem to be shipped.
 21. The scanning sensor apparatus of claim 12,wherein the wireless communication interface is further operative to:transmit a request to an external managing node for the materialdimension data associated with the identified item, receive the materialdimension data from the external managing node, and provide the receivedmaterial dimension data to the processing unit; and wherein theprocessing unit is further operative to store the received materialdimension data into the memory.
 22. A method for dynamicallytransforming scan data representing a loaded volume of a container usinga scanning sensor node having at least a memory, a depth sensor, anidentification scanner, and a communications interface to an externalmanaging node, the method comprising: identifying, by the identificationscanner of the scanning sensor node, an item being loaded into a storagespace within the container based upon an an identification scan of anidentification element for the item being loaded into the storage space;scanning, by the depth sensor on the scanning sensor node, the storagespace within the container to generate the scan data after identifyingthe item, wherein the scanning sensor node is mounted within thecontainer and above the space within the container in a configurationthat orients the depth sensor towards the storage space from above thestorage space; determining, by the scanning sensor node, if the itemloaded into the storage space is at least partially not visible to thedepth sensor based upon the generated scan data; and dynamicallytransforming the scan data into refined scan data if the item is atleast partially not visible to the depth sensor, wherein the scan datais transformed into the refined scan data based at least upon materialdimension data associated with the item.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein the determining step further comprises: comparing (a) the scandata generated after the item is loaded into the storage space to (b)prior scan data representing a previously loaded volume of the containerbefore the item is loaded into the storage space; and determining thatthe item is at least partially not visible to the depth sensor when thedifference between (a) and (b) represents an incremental increase to apreviously determined loaded volume of the container and the incrementalincrease is less than a threshold amount.
 24. The method of claim 23,wherein the threshold amount depends upon an expected volume parameterassociated with the item.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein theexpected volume parameter of the item is related to the materialdimension data associated with the item.
 26. The method of claim 25,wherein the material dimension data comprises dimension information froma previous logistics scan of the item.
 27. The method of claim 25,wherein the material dimension data comprises default dimensioninformation for the item.
 28. The method of claim 25, wherein thematerial dimension data comprises information received from the externalmanaging node.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the identifying stepfurther comprises: receiving, by the identification scanner, a signalrepresenting identification information associated with the item; andidentifying the item based upon the identification information receivedby the identification scanner.
 30. The method of claim 29 furthercomprising the steps of: transmitting, by the communications interfaceof the scanning sensor node, a request to the external managing node,the request identifying the item and requesting the material dimensiondata for the identified item; receiving, by the communication interfaceof the scanning sensor node, the material dimension data from theexternal managing node; and storing the material dimension data for theidentified item into the memory.